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FROM   THE   LIBRARY  OF 
REV.    LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON.   D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED   BY   HIM   TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY 


DM***  Sc  TS 

froth.    VV^3 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

Calvin  College 


http://www.archive.org/details/psalmsinmeterOOhawl 


THE 


JUL  10  1934 


PSALMS    IN    METER 


By    Kev.    M.    L.    HAWLEY, 

OF  THE  BALTIMORE  CONFERENCE,  M.  E.  CHURCH. 


PUBLISHED     FOR     THE     AUTHOR. 

CARLTON     &     LAN  AHA  N, 
200  MULBERRY-STREET,  N.  Y. 

1868. 


H 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1868,  by 
M.    L.    HAW  LEY, 

in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the  Southern 
District  of  New  York. 


& — —  ® 


n B 


PREFACE. 


I  was  gradually  led  to  undertake  this  work. 
The  First  Psalm  was  written  without  intention 
to  proceed  further.  Then  a  number  of  other 
.Psalms  were  selected  on  which  to  bestow  simi- 
lar labor.  But  this  labor  disclosed  to  my  mind 
beauty,  sublimity,  and  bold  poetic  imagery  in 
the  Psalms  which  it  had  hitherto  overlooked. 
Then  the  versification  of  all  the  Psalms  was 
conceived,  and  it  was,  as  rapidly  as  circum- 
stances allowed,  earned  to  a  completion. 

It  was  at  first  my  intention  to  prepare  a 
volume  of  Lyrics  suitable  to  be  sung  in  the 
Christian  Church.  And,  indeed,  this  intention 
was  kept  prominently  in  view  to  the  last,  al- 
though it  was  soon  found  that  many  of  the 
Psalms  are  wholly  unsuitable  for  such  use. 
These  Psalms  are  changed  into  easy  and,  in 
some  instances,  careless  measure  and  rhyme. 
And  others,  doubtless,  would  have  better  ex- 
pressed the  mind  of  the  sacred  writers  if  at- 
— & 


& . 

4  Peeface 


tempt  had  not  been  made  to  change  them  to 
Christian  Lyrics.  The  whole  might  properly 
be  divided  into  three  classes:  Psalms  for  Pub- 
lic Worship,  Psalms  for  Private  Devotion,  and 
Psalms  for  Ordinary  Beading. 

In  this  versification  a  Psalm  was  not  merely 
selected  as  the  foundation  of  a  hymn,  rejecting 
sentiments  of  the  sacred  writer,  and  adding 
thoughts  of  the  versifier,  as  did  a  distinguished 
English  Lyrist;  but  the  attempt  was  made  to 
give  most  of  the  Psalms  entire  and  pure,  with- 
out abbreviation,  and  without  addition.  The 
abbreviations  which  occur  are  not  of  sentiments, 
but  of  repetitions;  for  in  Hebrew  poetry,  by 
a  peculiarity  known  as  parallelism,  the  same 
thought,  with  slight  variations,  is  frequently 
several  times  repeated.  And  the  additions, 
which  are  few,  either  are  implied  in  the  Psalms, 
or  serve  to  explain  and  enforce  the  sentiments 
of  the  sacred  writers.  These  compositions  are 
properly  paraphrases. 

In  attempting  to  change  the  Psalms  to  Chris- 
tian Lyrics,  it  was  frequently  necessary  to  sub- 
stitute the  appellation  Christ  for  that  of  Lord 
or  Jehovah.  But  this  is  perfectly  admissible, 
as  Christ  is  acknowledged  to  be  the  Jehovah 
of  the  Old  Testament.     It  was  also  necessary 


($_ & 

Peeface.  5 

to  give  Psalms  of  a  secular  character  a  spiritual 
or  religious  ai3plication.  The  Forty-fifth  Psalm 
may  be  particularly  mentioned.  But  this  is 
justifiable  according  to  the  allegorical  method 
of  interpretation. 

The  question  naturally  arises  here,  Do  any 
of  the  Psalms  relate  to  Christ  \  Some  modern 
critics  are  disposed  to  answer  negatively.  They 
claim  that  the  writers  of  the  Psalms  make  no 
allusion  to  the  Messiah,  and  that  Christ  and 
the  apostles  argue  " ex  concessis"  that  is,  from 
the  acknowledged  opinion  of  their  opponents 
or  contemporaries,  without  vouching  for  their 
correctness  when  they  give  any  of  the  Psalms 
such  an  application.  This  position  is  to  be  de- 
plored ;  for  even  if  true  it  is  not  the  whole 
truth,  and  is  calculated  to  weaken  confidence  in 
the  Scriptures,  and  in  the  Saviour  they  describe. 
That  in  the  minds  of  the  writers  of  the  Psalms 
there  was  no  reference  to  the  Messiah  may  be 
safely  admitted ;  but  that  there  was  no  such 
reference  in  the  Divine  Mind  is  certainly  un- 
true. Under  the  influence  of  Divine  inspira- 
tion the  sacred  writers  frequently  wrote  what 
they  did  not  fully  understand ;  and  though  the 
Psalmists  may  not  have  had  Christ  in  view, 
they  actually  wrote  of  him.  And  every  passage 
& g 


Gl 

6  Preface. 


of  Scripture  which  the  New  Testament  writers 
apply  to  Christ,  doubtless,  in  the  Divine  Mind 
had  such  an  application.  Besides,  to  argue  as 
claimed  in  this  position  was  not  simply  to 
perplex,  but  to  deceive.  Surely  no  Christian 
writer  will  defend  a  position  which  involves 
such  a  conclusion.  And  our  Lord  positively 
claims  that  he  is  the  subject  of  prediction  in 
the  Psalms.  "  All  things  must  be  fulfilled 
which  are  written  in  the  law  of  Moses,  and  in 
the  prophets,  and  in  the  Psalms  concerning 
me."  Luke  xxiv,  44. 

It  may  be  well  here  to  express  an  opinion 
respecting  the  imprecations  or  maledictions  con- 
tained in  some  of  the  Psalms.  Writers  are 
accustomed  to  admit  that  they  are  not  in  har- 
mony with  the  teachings  of  the  Gospel,  nor 
even  with  the  spirit  of  the  religion  of  the  Jews. 
But  they  plead  in  palliation  that  prayer  for  the 
destruction  of  foes  is  equivalent  to  prayer  for 
personal  deliverance  and  preservation.  But  are 
not  these  imprecations  the  utterances  of  indig- 
nation rather  than  of  malice?  Are  they  not 
prayers  based  upon  desire  for  the  destruction 
of  sin  rather  than  of  sinners?  They  contain 
no  evidence  of  vindictive  feeling  toward  the 
wicked.     And  we  should  also  recollect  that  the 

® __* 


8 

Pee  face.  7 


language  of  emotion  does  not  always  admit  of 
a  literal  interpretation. 

The  division  of  the  Psalms  into  books  is  at 
least  as  old  as  the  Septnagint  version.  These 
books  were  doubtless  collected  by  different  per- 
sons, and  at  different  periods.  This  accounts 
for  the  identity  of  the  Fourteenth  and  Fifty- 
third  Psalms,  and  of  fraoraents  of  some  of  the 

7  O 

other  Psalms.  The  compiler  of  the  third  di- 
vision, in  which  there  are  none  of  the  Psalms 
of  David,  probably  added  the  note  at  the  end 
of  the  second  book,  "Here  end  the  Psalms  of 
David,  the  son  of  Jesse."  David,  however,  is 
the  author  of  several  Psalms  in  the  two  suc- 
ceeding books. 

In  the  composition  of  this  work,  it  was  found 
exceedingly  difficult  to  change  the  Psalms  to 
even  tolerable  English  poetry.  Frequently  a 
far  happier  turn  of  thought  presented  itself; 
but  the  sentiments  of  another  had  to  be  ex- 
pressed, and  it  was  consequently  rejected.  The 
labor  was  much  like  that  of  writing  an  acrostic, 
restrained,  without  the  mental  freedom  needed 
especially  by  the  poet.  But  only  the  One 
Hundred  and  Thirty-ninth  Psalm  caused  any 
misgiving  in  attempting  a  versification.  Its 
sentiments  are  so  sacred  and  elevated,  and  its 


m 


$ ® 

8  Peeface. 

diction  is  so  bold  and  sublime,  that  attempt  to 
versify  it  seemed  rashness;  and  for  some  time 
the  thought  was  seriously  entertained  of  trans- 
ferring it  to  this  volume,  without  attempting  to 
reduce  it  to  measure  and  rhyme.  And  now,  in 
submitting  "The  Psalms  in  Meter"  to  the 
public,  it  is  desired  the  work  should  be  judged 
in  view  of  the  intention  of  the  author  to  pro- 
duce a  metrical  translation,  rather  than  a  para- 
phrase, of  the  Psalms ;  and  by  comparison  with 
similar  productions  by  others,  rather  than  upon 
its  own  intrinsic  merits. 

August  29,  1868. 


« 


THE 


PSALMS     IN     METER. 


BOOK    I 


PSALM    I. 

Tixe  Righteous  and  the  Wicked  contrasted. 

BLESSED  is  the  man  who  shuns  the  path 

Trod  by  unholy  feet, 
Who  stands  not  in  the  sinner's  way, 

Nor  takes  the  scoffer's  seat ; 
But  meditates,  with  pure  delight, 
On  God's  just  law  both  day  and  night. 

He's  like  the  tree  beside  a  stream, 

That  yields  a  pleasant  shade ; 
Its  fruit  maturing  at  its  time, 

Its  leaves  not  known  to  fade : 
And  should  change  come,  secure  is  he — 
His  lot  in  life,  prosperity. 

Not  so  the  wicked  in  their  state; 
How  insecure  are  they  ! 

SK ! & 


0 

10  The    Psalms    in    Meter. 

At  best  they  are  like  worthless  chaff 

The  wind  drives  swift  away: 
They  shall  not  with  the  righteous  stand 
When  angry  judgments  sweep  the  land. 

God  knows  the  way  the  just  pursue ; 

And  he  will  surely  bless, 
And  guard  from  every  enemy, 

Their  works  of  righteousness ; 
But  he  the  wicked  will  assail, 
And  every  sinful  way  shall  fail. 

PSALM    II. 

Triumph  of  Christ  over  his  Foes. 

WHY  do  the  heathen  nations  rage, 

And  things  impossible  design? 
Why  'gainst  Jehovah  and  his  Christ 

Earth's  mighty  ones  combine? 
"  Come,  let  us  break  their  bonds,"  they  say, 
"And  let  us  cast  their  cords  away." 

The  Lord,  who  ever  reigns  supreme, 

Will  their  vain  thoughts  and  aims  deride; 

Yea,  he  will  in  displeasure  speak, 
And  utterly  confound  their  pride: 

"I  have  my  Son  placed  on  the  throne, 

And  him  shall  all  the  nations  own." 

g $, 


The   Psalms   in    Meter.  11 


Now  hear  what  God  to  me  has  said: 
"Thou  art  niy  own  Eternal  Son; 

Ask,  and  the  people  shall  be  thine — 
The  world  to  thy  just  cause  be  won : 

For  strong  thou  shalt  thy  scepter  make, 

And  foes  as  a  trail  vessel  break." 

Hence,  mighty  ones  in  crime,  be  wise; 

Heed  well  the  admonition  given; 
With  awe  obey,  with  fear  adore 

The  Lord,  who  rules  in  earth  and  heaven: 
The  favor  of  the  Son  make  sure, 
For  blessed  are  they  in  him  secure. 

PSALM    III. 

The  Confidence  of  the  Righteous. 

MY  foes,  O  Lord,  increase  each  day ; 

They  come  against  me  as  a  flood ; 
And  with  relentless  hatred  say, 

"  There  is  no  help  for  him  in  God  : " 
But  Thou,  my  glory,  shield,  and  hope, 
Liftest  my  head  in  safety  up. 

To  thee  I  cried,  O  God  most  pure, 
Who  deignedst  ardent  prayer  to  hear; 

Then  laid  me  down  and  slept  secure, 
For  my  Preserver  still  was  near: 

= : & 


12  The   Psalms   in   Metee. 

And  I  need  suffer  no  alarm, 

Though  thousands  join  to  do  me  harm. 

The  wicked  thou  hast  smitten  down, 
And  dealt  my  foes  a  fatal  blow; 

And  now,  O  Lord,  thy  mercies  crown, 
And  let  me  all  thy  goodness  know : 

For  power  to  save  to  thee  belongs, 

And  thy  rich  blessings  claim  our  songs. 

PSALM     IV. 

Evening  Prayer. 

O  GOD,  thou  art  my  righteousness; 

Bend  to  my  cry  thine  ear; 
Oft  thou  hast  helped  me  in  distress — 

Again  in  mercy  hear. 

How  long  will  men  despise  the  just  ? 

Love  vanity  and  lies? 
God  them  exalts  who  in  him  trust, 

And  hears  their  earnest  cries. 

Then  stand  in  awe,  and  sin  avoid; 

Reflect  in  night's  lone  hour; 
Offer  oblations  to  the  Lord, 

And  trust  his  saving  power. 

Yet  many  say,  "  There  is  no  hope ; 
Who  us  will  favor  show  ? " 


8 3 

The   Psalms   iist   Metee.  13 

Thy  smile,  O  Lord,  on  us  lift  up ; 
Let  us  thy  goodness  know. 

Their  joys  when  corn  and  wine  increase, 

My  gladness  doth  excel; 
For  watched  by  thee  I  sleep  in  peace, 

In  perfect .  safety  dwell. 

PSALM     V. 

Morning  Prayer. 

HEAR  my  words,  O  gracious  Saviour, 

Listen  to  my  earnest  cry; 
Turn  not  from  my  supplication, 

For  to  thee  I  lift  mine  eye. 

Thou  shalt  hear  me  in  the  morning; 

Then  will  I  thy  throne  address : 
But  in  sin  thou  hast  no  pleasure; 

Thou  wilt  not  the  wicked  bless. 

Pride  intensely  thou  abhorrest, 

Canst  not  blood  and  falsehood  bear ; 

But  through  mercy,  in  thy  presence 
Suffer  me  to  offer  prayer. 

'Mid  my  foes,  O  Lord,  direct  me, 
From  their  cruel  falsehoods  save; 

For  their  heart  is  full  of  malice, 
And  their  throat  an  open  grave. 
s 


8 


14  The   Psalms   in   Meter. 


They  their  tongues  employ  to  natter, 
While  my  ruin  they  design ; 

Lord,  confound  thou  their  devices ; 
They  are  enemies  of  thine: 

But  make  joyful  all  who  trust  thee, 
Let  them  sing  thy  worthy  praise ; 

For  thou  dost  protect  the  righteous — 
Shield  them  all  their  earthly  days. 


PSALM    VI. 

Prayer    in    Distress. 

SCOURGE  me  not,  O  Lord,  in  anger; 

By  my  weakness  be  impressed ; 
Heal  me,  for  my  bones  all  tremble, 

And  my  soul  is  sore  distressed. 

Now,  O  Lord,  why  dost  thou  tarry? 

Come,  deliv'rance  grant  to  me ; 
For  in  death  no  praise  is  offered — 

In  the  grave  none  worship  thee. 

I  am  weary  with  my  groaning, 

Tears  have  made  my  couch  to  swim, 

Till  with  grief  by  foes  inflicted, 
Wasted  is  mine  eye,  and  dim. 


® 

The   Psalms   in   Me  tee,  15 

Leave  me  now,  ye  evil-doers, 

For  I  have  acceptance  found; 
God  my  earnest  prayer  doth  answer, 

And  my  foes  repel,  confound. 

PSALM    VII. 

Prayer  for  Protection  from  Enemies. 

O  LORD,  from  my  foes  thou  art  mighty  to  save ; 

In  mercy  my  prayer  be  pleased  now  to  hear, 
Lest  the  enemy  should  like  a  fierce  lion  rave, 

And  tear  me  in  pieces  while  no  help  is  near. 

If  T  have  with  evil  rewarded  my  friend, 
Or  needlessly  injured  my  merciless  foe, 

Let  crushing  affliction  upon  me  descend, 

And  instantly  prone  in  the  dust  lay  me  low. 

Arise  now,  O  Lord,  and  my  foes  all  confound ; 
Thy  power  to  avenge  to  the  nations  make 
known ; 
Let    them  in    the  judgment    encompass    thee 
round ; 
For  the  sake  of  the  righteous  ascend  thou  thy 
throne ! 

But  in  equity  judge  me  as  I  have  been  just ; 


The  schemes  of  the  wicked  at  once  overthrow, 


55 


16  The   Psalms   in   Metek. 

And  establish  the  righteous,  for  in  thee  they 
trust, 
Who  triest  all  hearts,  and  all  secrets  dost 
know. 

The  Lord  is  the  shield  of  the  upright  in  heart ; 

The  wicked  his  anger  provoke  every  day ; 
And  from  him  at  last  he  will  bid  them  depart ; 

His  weapons  of  death  shall  them  instantly 
slay. 

The  fruit  of  transgression  disappointment  shall 

be, 

And  the  pit  him  engulf  by  whom  it  is  made ; 

But  I,  righteous  Lord,  praise  shall  offer  to  thee, 

In  the  work  of  thy  praise  thou  wilt  give  me 

thine  aid. 

PSALM    VIII. 

God  cares  for  Man. 

O  LORD,  our  Lord,  in  all  the  earth, 
How  excellent  thy  name! 
'  Thou  causest  babes  to  speak  thy  praise, 
To  put  thy  foes  to  shame. 

Behold  the  heavens  with  stars  begemmed, 
The  work  thy  fingers  wrought ; 

Contrasted  with  this  gorgeous  scene, 
Man  may  appear  as  nought. 

fi _ — _ g 


8 — jg 

The    Psalms    ix    Metee.  17 

But  he  was,  in  his  first  estate, 

Made  little  less  than  God ; 
Inferior  creatures  him  obeyed, 

And  trembled  at  his  nod. 

Thus  thou  didst  hiin  with  honor  crown, 
When  from  thy  hand  he  came; 

O  Lord,  our  Lord,  in  all  the  earth, 
How  excellent  thy  name ! 

PSALM    IX. 

Confidence  in  God 's  Mercy. 

WITH  my  whole  heart,  O  Lord,  to  thee 
In  praise  will  I  lift  up  my  voice, 

Thy  works  bid  all  the  people  see, 
And  in  thy  faithfulness  rejoice. 

Mine  enemies  before  thee  fall, 
Who  ever  doth  the  just  defend ; 

But  nations  who  for  vengeance  call, 
Thou  bringest  to  a  shameful  end ! 

Thus  God  reigns  here  in  righteousness, 
And  stands  our  shield  and  hiding-place  ; 

Them  he  relieves  whom  foes  oppress, 
And  none  forsakes  who  seek  his  face. 

3 

& . 


ft 

18  The    Psalms    i isr    Meter. 

Then  him  address  with  thankful  songs, 
And  all  his  wondrous  works  declare; 

For  he  avenges  all  our  wrongs, 

And  kindly  hears  our  fervent  prayer. 

Not  vainly,  Lord,  I  cried  to  thee, — 
"Look  on  me  in  affliction's  hour, 

That  I  the  gates  of  death  may  flee, 

To  speak  thy  praise  and  saving  power !  " 

The  wicked,  by  their  works  ensnared, 
Give  proof  that  thou  dost  reign  supreme ; 

They  for  perdition  are  prepared — 
But  thou  the  righteous  wilt  redeem. 

Now  rise,  O  Lord !  the  proud  cast  down, 
And  forth  to  righteous  judgment  go ; 

Let  the  ungodly  see  thy  frown ! 

Themselves  but  men  the  nations  know ! 

PSALM    X. 

Tlie  Authority  of  the  Wicked  Deprecated. 

O  LORD,  why  dost  thou  distant  stand, 
When  times  of  trouble  scourge  the  land  ? 
Why  from  the  poor  and  wretched  hide, 
When  they  writhe  in  the  toils  of  pride  ? 
Th'  oppressor  has  his  heart's  desire, 
All  power  to  which  he  dare  aspire ; 
$ 


$ 3 

The   Psalms    in   Meter.  19 

He  ever  prospers  in  bis  way, 

Escapes  thy  judgments  day  by  day, 

So  that  lie  says,  "I  shall  not  see 

In  all  my  days  adversity." 

He  proudly  of  oppression  speaks ; 

To  slay  the  just  in  secret  seeks ; 

As  a  fierce  lion  lies  in  wait 

To  bring  the  helpless  to  his  fate ; 

And  proudly  says,  "  God  hides  his  face, 

Nor  sees  me  from  his  holy  place." 

Arise,  O  Lord !  lift  up  thy  hand ; 

protect  the  helpless  in  the  land ; 

For  though  th'  oppressor  thinks  it  not, 

Thou  dost  regard  their  cruel  lot; 

And  on  thy  hand  thou  writest  down 

The  features  of  his  scornful  frown  ! 

And  hence  the  poor  and  fatherless, 

Turn  ever  to  thee  in  distress. 

Hurl,  .then,  the  wicked  down  from  power, 

And  on  him  bring  the  vengeful  hour ! 

The  Lord,  our  King,  on  earth  doth  reign ; 
The  wicked  shall  at  last  be  slain ; 
For  thou  will  lend  a  list'ning  ear, 
The  voice  of  our  distress  to  hear ; 
Us  to  protect  stretch  forth  thy  hand, 
And  guard  us  safely  in  the  land, 
g . _ — £ 


. — 8 

20     The  Psalms  in  Metee. 


is- 


PSALM  XL 

The  Righteous  Protected  and  Wicked  Punished. 

ON  God  I  my  trust  firmly  stay ; 

Then  why  cry  ye  out  to  my  soul, — 
"  To  the  hills  as  a  bird  fly  away, 

For  the  wicked  reject  thy  control ; 
Even  now  they  have  bent  the  strong  bow, 

On  the  string  fixed  the  arrow  aright, 
That  thee  they  may  instantly  slay, 

While  securely  concealed  from  thy  sight." 

If  God  suffer  the  powers  he  ordained 

On  the  earth  to  be  all  broken  up — 
If  his  people  are  thus  to  be  slain, 

O  what  have  the  righteous  to  hope  ? 
God  dwells  in  his  temple  below, 

Though    his    throne    is    the    measureless 
height ! 
And  the  righteous  he  tries  for  their  good, 

But  the  wicked  are  vile  in  his  sight. 

And  on  them,  in  the  clay  of  his  wrath, 
He  will  rain  fire,  and  brimstone,  and  snares, 

With  tempest — death  strewing  its  path — 
This  for  them  is  the  cup  he  prepares. 
—a 


8 

The   Psalms   in   Meter.  21 

But  his  nature,  unchangeably  just, 
Toward  the  righteous  is  holiest  love  ; 

And  on  them  he  complacently  smiles — 
Makes  their  sky  calm  and  cloudless  above. 

PSALM    XII. 

God  faithful  to   his    Word. 

HELP,  Lord,  for  the  good  man  dies ; 

He  among  the  wicked  fails; 
While  they  utter  artful  lies, 

And  his  name  their  tongue  assails. 
They  their  natt'ring  lips  employ 

To  conceal  a  double  heart; 
Soon,  O  God,  those  lips  destroy, 

For  supremely  just  thou  art. 

In  their  vanity  they  say, 

"  With  our  tongues  we  shall  prevail ; 
Who  is  He  we  should  obey? 

Our  reliance  cannot  fail." 
Then  thou  answerest,  "  I  will 

For  the  sighing  onp  stand  up, 
And  his  just  desires  fulfill ; 

I  will  be  his  shield  and  hope." 

All  the  words  of  God  are  pure, 

Like  the  silver  most  refined ; 
Hence  they  evermore  are  sure, 

Setting  forth  th'  Eternal  Mind. 

& _ & 


_ - 

22  The   Psalms   in   Meter. 

Watching  o'er  them  night  and  day, 
Thou  wilt  make  them  firmly  stand ; 

Though  abroad  the  wicked  stray, 
And  the  vile  control  the  land. 

PSALM    XIII. 

Prayer  and  Trust. 

HOW  long,  O  Lord,  wilt  thou  forget, 

And  hide  thy  face  from  me  ? 
How  long  shall  care  perplex  my  soul, 

Nor  sorrow  from  me  flee  ? 

How  long  shall  foes  o'er  me  exult  ? 

O  Lord,  hear  thou  my  voice, 
Lest  I  should  sleep  the  sleep  of  death, 

And  them  my  fall  rejoice. 

Yet  in  thy  goodness  will  I  trust 

Through  all  my  earthly  days ; 

In  thy  salvation  make  my  boast, 

And  sing  thy  worthy  praise. 

• 

PSALM      XIV. 

Universal  Depravity. 

SAYS  the  heart  of  the  foolish  ones,  "  There  is 
no  God  ! " 
They  all  are  corrupt  and  have  hateful  things 
done ; 

I a 


The   Psalms   in    Meter.  23 

Though  great  is  their  number,  not  one  doeth 
good ; 
God  looked  down  from  heaven,  and  he  could 
find  none. 

None  fully  their  duty  to  God  understand, 
But  all  with  delight  into  wickedness  run ; 

Corrupt  is  our  race  throughout  all  the  land, 
There  is  none  that  good  doeth ;  no,  not  even 
one. 

But  shall  not  all  they  who  in  sin  take  delight, 

\Yho,  hating  God's  people,  fiercely  devour, 
And  shunning  his   worship,   bow  not   in   his 
sight, 
Be  judged  in  the  end,  and  feel  his  dread 
power  I 

Ah  !  then  shall  they  tremble  before  him  in  fear ; 

But  the  righteous  he  will  more  abundantly 

bless ; 

For  though  they  now  meet  with  derision  and 

sneer, 

Their  refuge  he  stands  in  the  day  of  distress. 

O  that  out  of  Zion  salvation  would  come 
To  them  thou  didst  ransom,  the  race  of  thy 
choice ! 


-« 


® s 

24  The   Psalms   in   Metee. 


When  thine  exiles  on  earth  thou  at  last  shalt 
bring  home, 
They  then  shall  praise  thee,  and  in  gladness 
rejoice. 


PSALM    XV. 

Who    will   be    Saved? 

WHO  in  thy  tabernacle,  Lord, 

Shall  ever  dwell  secure  \ 
Who  stand  on  Zion's  holy  hill, 

And  ev'ry  test  endure? 

He  that  is  righteous  in  his  way, 

And  truth  explicit  speaks; 
That  not  by  word  nor  deed  of  his, 

Another's  injury  seeks; 

He  that  approves  not  persons  vile, 
As  them  that  fear  the  Lord; 

That  having  promised,  changes  not, 
But  sacred  holds  his  word; 

He  that  lends  not  at  usury, 
Nor  takes  a  bribe  for  gain ; 

He,  saved  by  grace  divine,  with  thee 
Shall  evermore  remain. 

® — 3 


The  Psalms  in  Meter. 


PSALM  XVI. 

Rejoicing  in  God's  Goodness. 

PRESERVE  me,  O  God,  for  in  thee  do  I  trust ; 

Yea,  thou  art  my  Lord,  and  the  source  of 
my  joys  ; 
While  the  good  in  the  land,  the  holy  and  just, 

Afford  me  delight  no  deception  alloys. 

But   they   who  bow  down   at   an   idol's  false 
shrine 
Shall  have  sorrows  increased — all  that  stern 
justice  claims ! 
Their    drink-offerings    of  blood    I   will   never 
make  mine, 
Xor  even  my  lips  pollute  with  their  names. 

The  Lord  is  my  portion  unchangeably  good ; 

Secure   is   my   right   by   the   kind    will   of 
Heaven ; 
The  lines  to  me  fallen  pleasant  places  include; 

A  goodly  inheritance  me  has  been  given. 

I  will  my  Protector  now  fervently  praise, 
Having;  been  in  night-seasons  instructed,  re- 
proved ; 
I  will  to  thy  worship  devote  all  my  days; 
With   thee   by   my   side    I   shall   never   be 
moved. 


-81 


® : 

26  The    Psalms    in    Metee. 

Hence  glad  is  my  heart,  firmly  resting  in  hope ; 
I   am  guarded  by  thee,  who  art  mighty  to 
save; 
To  death  thou  wilt  never  my  spirit  give  up, 
Nor  thy  Holy  One  suffer   to  waste  in  the 
grave. 

And  I  shall,  'mid  the  wand'rings  my  brief  days 

employ, 
In  the  sure  path  of  life  by  thy  guidance  be 

found ; 
Then  rise  where  thy  presence  gives  fullness  of 

For    at    thy    right    hand    living    pleasures 
abound. 

PSALM    XVII. 

Confident  Supplication. 

HEAE,  O  Lord,  the  cause  of  justice ; 

Listen  to  my  prayer  sincere ; 
From  thee  let  me  hear  my  sentence — 

May  thy  lips  pronounce  me  clear: 
•  And  uprightness 

To  thine  eye  in  me  appear. 

Me  in  night's  calm  stillness  visit; 
Try  me  as  the  gold  is  tried; 

g g 


55 

The    Psalms    in    Metee.  27 

Thou  shalt  find  no  wrong  intention, 
For  thy  word  has  been  my  guide : 

But  support  rue, 
That  secure  I  may  abide. 

Now  I  call,  for  thou  will  hear  me; 

Now  to  thee  for  refuge  fly : 
In  the  hour  of  danger  guard  me 

As  the  apple  of  thine  eye  ! 
'Neath  the  shadow 

Of  thy  wings  secure  I  lie. 

Me  my  deadly  foes  encompass ; 

Fierce,  malignant,  vile  are  they ; 
All  my  steps  intently  watching, 

That  they  me  may  lead  astray: 
As  a  lion, 

Seek  they  eagerly  their  prey. 

Rise,  O  Lord,  and  me  deliver 
From  the  wicked  by  thy  sword ! 

They  in  this  life  have  their  portion ; 
They  on  earth  their  treasures  hoard, 

And  then  children 
Leave  the  wealth  their  toil  has  stored. 

But  through  righteousness  imputed, 
I  shall  rise  thy  smiles  to  share; 


3 « 

28  The    Psalms    in   Meter. 

Rich  for  ever  in  thy  favor, 

Naught  beside  shall  wish  or  care, 

Satisfied  when 
I  thy  glorious  image  bear. 

PSALM    XVIII. 

Tlie  Lord  of  Sabaoth  in  Action. 

O  LORD,  my  strength,  my  rock,  my  tower, 

Thee  do  I  trust  in  danger's  hour ; 

And  on  thee  place  my  ardent  love, 

For  still  thy  constancy  I  prove. 

Thou  worthy  art  of  our  best  praise, 

For  thou  dost  guard  us  all  our  days. 

Dangers  on  every  side  I  found, 

The  snares  of  death  me  compassed  round, 

Upon  me  poured  the  floods  of  wrath, 

The  snares  of  hell  beset  my  path ; 

But  to  my  God  for  help  I  prayed, 

And  earnest  supplication  made ; 

And  from  his  royal  throne  on  high, 

His  ears  attended  to  my  cry. 

His  wrath  then  caused  the  earth  to  quake; 
The  mountain's  firm  foundations  shake, 
For,  coming  to  destroy  my  foes, 
Smoke  densely  from  his  nostrils  rose; 

h— * 


W • : BJ 

The    Psalms    in    Me  tee.  29 

His  mouth  poured  forth  the  fires  of  wrath, 

The  lightnings  shot  along  his  path  ; 

The  heavens  he  bowed,  'mid  clouds  appeared, 

While  vapor  'neath  his  feet  careered. 

He  swiftly  on  a  cherub  rode, 

The  wind  its  wings  on  him  bestowed, 

And  darkness  gathered  round  his  head, 

As  he  his  dense  pavillion  spread. 

But  the  bright  beaming  of  his  face, 
The  clouds  to  distant  regions  chase ; 
Then  coals  of  fire — intensest  flame, 
With  hail-stones,  from  his  presence  came  ! 
His  voice  was  heard  along  the  sky, 
His  arrows  did  unerring  fly. 
My  foes  were  scattered  far  and  near, 
Slaughtered,  or  overcome  by  fear ! 
At  thy  rebuke,  O  Lord,  the  blast — 
The  breath  that  from  thy  nostrils  passed, 
The  sea  its  channels  deep  displayed, 
And  earth's  foundations  bare  were  laid  ! 
His  hand  he  reached  down  from  above, 
And  me,  the  object  of  his  love, 
Drew  from  the  deep  whefe  I  lay  low, 
And  saved  me  from  the  cruel  foe. 
They  triumphed  in  an  evil  day; 
But  still  the  Lord  was  my  firm  stay ; 

K _ - 


30  The    Psalms    in    Meter. 


And  he  was  pleased  my  prayer  to  hear, 
And  graciously  enlarge  my  sphere. 

Thus  God  has  me  been  pleased  to  bless 

According  to  my  righteousness; 

For  all  his  laws  were  in  my  sight, 

To  keep  them  was  my  chief  delight ; 

And  he  deals  with  his  creatures  here 

As  in  his  sight  their  ways  appear: 

Is  merciful,  upright,  and  pure, 

With  them  whose  lives  such  acts  insure; 

But  soon  or  later  sends  his  curse 

On  such  as  are  of  ways  perverse ; 

The  people  saves  who  in  him  trust, 

But  lays  the  haughty  in  the  dust. 

He  has  my  darkness  chased  away, 

My  lamp  made  brilliant  as  the  day, 

Me  given  strength  through  troops  to  break, 

And  leap  over  walls  the  prize  to  take. 

The  ways  of  God  are  just  and  true, 

His  work  has  purging  fire  passed  through ; 

He  is  their  shield  who  in  him  trust — • 

The  Lord  for  ever  good  and  just ; 

Our  rock  in  danger's  direst  hour, 

Who  kindly  girded  me  with  power, 

.-5 — » 


® si 

The    Psalms    in    Metee.  31 

Made  plain  my  path,  my  feet  to  climb 
To  a  position  high,  snblime; 
And  taught  my  hands  in  war  to  fight, 
To  bend  the  bow  of  brass  aright. 
While  o'er  my  head  he  was  my  shield, 
His  hand  sustained  me  in  the  field; 
His  goodness  stooped  to  make  me  great, 
And  guard  me  from  an  evil  fate; 
So  that  I  safely  chased  the  foe, 
And  in  the  dust  soon  laid  them  low. 
He  smote  their  hearts  as  I  drew  near, 
At  once  with  strange,  subduing  fear: 
And  me  endowed  with  strength  to  meet, 
And  trample  them  beneath  my  feet. 
In  vain  for  help  to  God  they  cried ; 
Protection  he  to  them  denied, 
Till  I  could  them  no  longer  find — 
Made  like  the  dust  before  the  wind ! 

Thus  nations  at  my  feet  were  laid, 
For  o'er  them  God  had  made  me  head  ; 
In  his  wise  rule  ordained  that  they 
Who  knew  me  not  should  me  obey; 
While  strangers  wasted  far  and  near, 
And  in  their  strongholds  quaked  with  fear. 
God  ever  lives,  my  rock  most  blessed  ! 
Be  fervent  praise  to  him  addressed ! 
s * 


®— ® 

32  The    Psalms    in    Me  tee. 

He  nations  has  to  me  subdued, 

And  saved  me  from  the  man  of  blood ! 

My  adversaries  overcome, 

And  smote  my  foes  with  terror  dumb. 

Hence  thanks,  O  Lord,  thy  favors  claim — 

Ye  nations  praise  his  holy  name. 

He  reigns  supreme,  forever  lives, 

And  to  me  kind  deliverance  gives — 

Has  greater  gifts  for  me  in  store — 

Will  bless  and  save  me  evermore. 


PSALM    XIX. 

God's  Glory  in  his  Works  and  Word. 

THE  glory  of  God  the  heavens  display, 
The  firmament  his  works  of  light ; 

Day  gives  instruction  unto  day, 

And  night  shows  knowledge  unto  night : 

Though  they  have  not  the  power  of  speech, 

Their  voice  earth's  utmost  limits  reach. 

A  tent  he  spreads  there  for  the  sun, 

Which  comes  forth  as  a  bridegroom  gay; 
Rejoices  his  grand  course  to  run, 

Strong  to  complete  it  in  a  day ! 
And  while  he  his  vast  circuit  shapes, 
Naught  from  his  searching  heat  escapes. 
fa — ! 




The    Psalms    ix    Me  tee.  33 

God's  perfect  law  revives  the  soul, 
His  precepts  make  the  simple  wise, 

His  statutes  bless  whom  they  control, 
And  his  commands  delight  our  eyes: 

The  service  of  the  Lord  is  pure, 

And  shall  for  evermore  endure. 

God's  judgments  righteous  are  and  true, 
More  precious  than  the  finest  gold; 

While  to  the  saints,  his  will  who  do, 
Their  sweetness  never  can  he  told ! 

They  ever  place  us  on  our  guard, 

And  keeping  them  gives  great  reward. 

But  who  can  his  offenses  know  I 

From  secret  faults,  O  cleanse  thou  me ! 

Restrain  when  I  astray  would  go, 

From  sins  presumptuous  keep  me  free: 

Then  shall  my  life  be  pure  and  right, 

And  unpolluted  in  thy  sight. 

To  me,  O  Lord,  thy  grace  impart, 

That  all  my  words,  truthful  and  kind, 

And  meditations  of  my  heart, 

May  in  thy  sight  acceptance  find ! 

For  help  before  thy  throne  I  bow — 

My  strength  and  my  Redeemer,  thou. 

i & 


s 

34    The  Psalms  in  Metee. 


PSALM  XX. 

Intercession  for  a  Ruler. 

THE  Lord  hear  thee  in  the  evil  day, 

The  God  of  Jacob  be  thy  stay ; 

Help  from  his  sanctuary  send, 

And  strength  from  Zion  thee  attend. 

May  God  thy  offerings  regard, 

Thy  sacrifices  all  reward, 

And  grant  thee  all  thy  heart's  desire, 

Which  right  and  holiness  inspire. 

We  in  thy  safety  svill  rejoice, 

To  God  in  praise  lift  up  our  voice, 

And  in  his  name  will  triumph  still, 

If  he  again  thy  prayers  fulfill. 

God  helps  his  servant,  now  I  know ; 
From  heaven  regards  him  here  below ; 
With  saving  strength  of  his  right  hand. 
Him  causes  still  secure  to  stand. 
Some  in  their  martial  forces  boast; 
But  we  trust  in  the  Lord  of  hosts. 
They  fell  before  the  griding  sword ; 
But  we  stood,  guarded  by  the  Lord. 
Hear  us  again,  on  thee  we  call, 
And  let  no  evil  us  befall. 
® & 


The   Psalms   in   Metee.  35 


PSALM    XXI. 

Praise  for  Victory. 

THE  king  rejoices  in  thy  strength,  0  Lord, 
And  the  protection  thou  dost  him  afford. 
With  all  his  heart's  desire  thou  hast  hirn  blessed, 
Nor  him  denied  one  suitable  request. 
Thou  richest  blessings  hast  around  him  spread, 
And  with  a  golden  crown  bedecked  his  head. 
Of  thee  he  asked  for  life ;  thou  didst  it  give — 
Yea,  promised  that  he  evermore  should  live. 
Great  is  his  glory  through  thy  sacred  aid; 
Honor  and  majesty  are  on  him  laid; 
And  nothing  shall  his  happy  state  destroy; 
But  thy  kind  smiles  o'erfiow  his  heart  with  joy. 
The  Lord,  to  whose  fidelity  he  trusted  all, 
Will  kindly  order  that  he  ne'er  shall  fall. 

Thy  mighty  hand  thy  foes  shall  overtake : 
Thy  wrath  them  as  a  burning  oven  make ! 
God  shall  them  swallow  in  his  kindled  ire, 
And  them  devote  to  the  devouring  fire ! 
Even  their  offspring  thou  shall  give  no  place, 
But  from  the  earth  destroy  the  wicked  race. 
They  spread  their  nets  thee  slyly  to  assail; 
They  plotted  mischief,  but  did  not  prevail : 


8 31 

36  The   Psalms   in   Meter. 

And  they  shall  from  thee  fly,  senseless  to  shame, 
When  thou  dost  deadly  arrows  at  them  aim ! 
O  Lord,  thyself  exalt  by  thy  great  might ! 
So  shall  we  ever  in  thy  praise  delight. 

PSALM    XXII. 

PART   I. 

Description  of  Christ's  Crucifixion. 

MY  God,  my  God,  O  why  forsake  thou  me? 

This  is  a  sad  and  darkly  evil  day! 
In  deep  distress  I  vainly  cry  to  thee, 

And  even  in  the  night  unheard  I  pray. 

Yet  thou  art  good — the  high  and  holy  One, 
'Mid  Israel's  praises  dwelling  evermore ! 

Of  those  who  trust  thee  disappointing  none, 
And  having  for  them  blessings  rich  in  store. 

But  in  the  flesh  I  as  a  worm  am  made; 

At  me  the  people  rudely  scoff  and  rave : 
"  He  trusted  God,  let  him  afford  him  aid, 

And  from  this  hour  of  fearful  darkness  save." 

O  God,  thou  didst  my  earthly  being  give; 

I  in  my  mother's  arms  to  thee  was  dear; 
And  still  I  through*  thy  tender  mercy  live — 

Why  stand  aloof  when  torture  now  is  near  ? 


jg —Si 

The    Psalms    in    Meter.  37 

As    maddened    wild    beasts    me    the    wicked 
throng ; 

To  utter  lies  their  mouths  they  open  wide; 
From  them  I  have  so  much  received  of  wrong, 

My  strength  is  as  an  earthen  vessel  dried ! 

They  without  pity  pierce  my  hands  and  feet, 
And  standing  round,  me  searching   glances 
give; 

Divide  my  garments  as  to  them  seems  meet, 
And  cast  lots  which  my  vesture  shall  receive. 

Be  near,  O  Thou,  who  gavest  me  my  breath; 

Thou  art  my  hojDe  and  strength;  make  haste 
to  save; 
My  life  deliver  from  the  mouth  of  death, 

My  body  snatch  from  the  devouring  grave ! 

part  n. 

Descriptive  of  Christ's  Kingdom. 

I  WILL,  O  Lord,  adore  thy  holy  name, 
And  in  the  congregation  sing  thy  praise ; 

Ye  saints,  extol  him,  yea,  his  grace  proclaim, 
And  fear  before  him  all  your  earthly  days. 

For  he  despises  not  the  low  and  plaintive  cry, 
Nor  from  the  poor  and  suffering  hides  his 
face; 
. & 


8 g5 

38  The    Psalms    ii    Meter. 

The  humble  may  to  him  in  prayer  draw  nigh, 
And   all   who   come   may  find   his   helping 
grace. 

And  at  his  table  shall  th'  afflicted  eat, 
Till  satisfied  with  bounties  rich  and  free; 

And  they  who  seek  God,  round  his  altar  meet, 
And  in  his  worship  ever  joyful  be. 

To  him  all  people  shall  devoutly  turn, 
The  families  all  worship  him  again : 

For  they,  ere  long,  Messiah's  name  shall  learn, 
And  he  o'er  all  the  happy  nations  reign. 

Earth's  rich  and  mighty,  with  supreme  delight, 
Shall  eat  and  worship  in  his  house  below; 

The  dying  on  him  fix  their  eager  sight, 
And,  trusting,  to  his  glorious  presence  go. 

And  thus  each  generation  in  its  day, 

To  the  succeeding  shall  his  name  declare; 

Until  the  saints  the  world  shall  firmly  sway, 
And  all  the  people  countless  mercies  share. 

PSALM    XXIIL 

Christ  the  Good  Shepherd. 

ME  Jesus,  the  good  ShejDherd,  feeds; 

I  shall  not  be  by  want  oppressed  ; 
Beside  still  waters  me  he  leads, 

And  in  green  pastures  gives  me  rest. 

\ : « 


The   Psalms    in   Meter.  39 

And  if  my  spirit's  strength  decay, 
He  leaves  me  not  my  loss  to  moan; 

But  guides  me  in  the  righteous  way, 
For  sake  of  merit  all  his  own. 

Yea,  and  no  evil  need  I  fear, 

Though    I   pass   through   death's   gloomy 
vale ; 
For  Jesus  there  will  still  be  near — 

His  kind  support  can  never  fail. 

He  richly  doth  my  table  spread, 
To  shame  the  counsel  of  my  foes ; 

The  oil  of  gladness  crowns  my  head, 
With  holy  joy  my  cup  o'erflows. 

And  surely  thus  his  goodness  will 
Attend  me  all  my  earthly  days; 

Then  bring  me  safe  to  Zion's  hill, 
Where  I  shall  ever  sing  his  praise. 

PSALM    XXIV. 

Ascension  of  Christ. 

THE  earth,  with  all  its  store  of  wealth, 

O  Lord,  belongs  to  thee, 
Whose  sov'reiom,  universal  will 

Controls  the  land  and  sea: 
But  who  shall  thy  high  throne  ascend, 
And  take  the  kingdom  ne'er  to  end? 


-® 


® ^ — 3 

40  The   Psalms   in   Meter. 

He  of  clean  hands,  and  pure  of  heart, 

Who  hath  no  evil  done; 
Nor  falsehood  told,  nor  falsely  sworn, 

Our  Saviour,  God  the  Son  : 
'Tis  he  ascends  now  to  his  throne, 
And  claims  the  kingdom  as  his  own. 

Lift  up  your  heads,  ye  lofty  gates ! 

Ye  massive  doors,  unfold ! 
Let  ye  the  glorious  Kiug  come  in, 

And  take  the  crown  of  gold ! 
Who  is  the  King  of  glory  \  He 
Who  died  to  set  the  captives  free. 

Then  lift  your  heads,  ye  lofty  gates ! 

Ye  massive  doors,  fly  wide! 
Let  ye  the  glorious  King  come  in, 

For  he  for  sinners  died  ! 
Who  is  the  King  of  glory  ?  He 
Who  won  from  death  the  victory ! 

PSALM    XXV. 

Prayer  for  Divine  Guidance. 

I  LIFT  my  soul,  O  Lord,  to  thee; 
Forbid  that  shame  my  lot  should  be, 
Or  that  my  foes  should  me  o'ertake; 

5 = . | 


jgj 

The   Psalms   ix   Metee.  41 

Let  only  those  be  put  to  shame 
AVho,  hoping  not  in  thy  great  name, 
Thy  worship  wickedly  forsake! 

Teach  me  the  way  that  I  should  go, 
Let  me  thy  truth  and  goodness  know, 

For  all  my  help  must  come  from  thee : 
Be  thou  to  mercy  still  inclined, 
Call  not  my  youthful  faults  to  mind, 

But  kindly  still  remember  me. 

Thou  merciful  and  gracious  art 

To  those  who  from  thy  ways  depart, 

And  wouldst  them  back  to  thee  receive ; 
And  thou  art  just,  and  wilt  repay 
Those  who  ne'er  from  thy  precepts  stray, 

And  them  thy  bounties  richly  give. 

Who  fears  thee,  Lord,  and  in  thy  ways 
Delights ;  through  all  his  earthly  days, 

He  and  his  offspring  shall  be  blessed ! 
Hence  would  I  claim  thee  for  my  friend — 
To  me  thy  kind  deliverance  send, 

And  let  me  in  thy  goodness  rest. 

O  bid  my  sorrows  all  depart, 
Lighten  the  burdens  of  my  heart, 

And  grant  me  now  thy  pard'ning  grace ; 

6 


8 g 

42  The   Psalms   in   Meter. 

Then  me  defend,  sustain  me  still, 
That  I  may  ever  do  thy  will, 
Securely  kept  by  thine  embrace. 

PSALM    XXV  I. 

Desire  to  be  with  God's  People. 

JUDGE  me,  O  Lord,  for  thou  art  just ; 
And  hence  in  thee  I  put  my  trust — 

Mine  inmost  nature  prove ! 
Thy  kindness  is  before  mine  eyes ; 
I  do  not  take  delight  in  lies, 

Nor  any  evil  love. 

I  wash  my  hands  from  every  stain, 
And  to  thine  altar  come  again, 

And  lift  my  voice  in  praise: 
I  love  thy  temple,  O  my  God, 
The  honored  place  of  thine  abode ! 

And  there  would  spend  my  days. 

Gather  me  not  with  sinners,  then ; 
To  pass  my  days  with  cruel  men, 

In  blood  who  take  delight ; 
Whose  hands  are  full  of  bribes,  to  win 
The  innocent  to  ways  of  sin, 

Would  my  whole  being  blight ! 

8 


5 — s 

The    Psalms    in    Meter.  43 

Hence,  gracious  Saviour,  help  thou  me 
To  walk  iu  mine  integrity, 

And  me  from  sin  redeem, 
Then  as  I  pass  amid  the  land, 
Or  in  the  conoiwation  stand, 

Thy  praise  shall  be  my  theme. 

PSALM    XXVII. 

Rejoicing  in  Christ. 

WHEN  my  Saviour  is  near 

I  have  nothing  to  fear 
For  then  he  is  my  shield  and  my  tower; 

He  has  vanquished  the  foes 

Which  against  me  arose, 
And  I'll  trust  him  till  life's  latest  hour. 

Now  to  this  I  aspire 

As  my  highest  desire, 
To  abide  in  his  house  all  my  days; 

And  there  ever  behold 

All  its  glories  untold, 
And  on  thee,  my  Redeemer,  to  gaze. 

And  me  then  he  will  hide, 
Clasping  close  to  his  side, 
Till  the  storms  are  all  ovrer  and  passed; 
While  my  voice  I  will  raise 
In  the  songs  of  his  praise, 
And  that  learn  which  forever  shall  last. 
g 


8 — £> 

44  The   Psalms   in   Metek. 

Thou  wilt  hear  when  I  pray, 

Thou  wilt  call  when  I  stray, 
And  again  me  to  favor  receive; 

But,  O  hide  not  thy  face, 

And  withhold  not  thy  grace, 
JSTor  me  once  to  my  helplessness  leave ! 

Thou,  0  Lord,  art  my  hope, 

And  me  thou  wilt  take  up, 
Should  my  friends  on  the  earth  me  forsake ; 

And  though  foes  should  arise, 

And  my  ruin  devise, 
Thou  will  teach  me  the  path  I  should  take. 

Thou  art  righteous  and  just ; 

And  thy  goodness  I  trust 
In  the  land  of  the  living  to  see ; 

But  make  thou  my  heart  strong, 

And  more  joyful  my  song, 
While  still  hoping,  I  wait  upon  thee. 


PSALM    XXVIII. 

Cast  me  not  off  with  the  Wicked. 

TO  thee,  O  Lord,  I  cry; 
Do  not  my  suit  deny, 
Lest  I  should  see  no  more  the  light  of  day ; 

I & 


gj 

The   Psalms   in    Meter.  45 

I  to  thy  temple  flee, 
And  lift  my  hands  to  thee — 
0  with  the  wicked  cast  me  not  away! 

They  seem  as  seems  a  friend, 

AYhile  mischief  they  intend ; 
But  thou  at  last  them  their  desert  wilt  give; 

For  they  against  thee  fight, 

Nor  in  thy  works  delight — 
And  shall  they  here  in  happy  quiet  live? 

O,  thou  hast  heard  my  prayer; 

I  shall  thy  mercies  share — 
Thou  wilt  protect  and  guide  me  all  my  days; 

Thy  people,  too,  shall  stand, 

And  prosper  in  the  land ; 
Hence  joyfully  I  sing  thy  worthy  praise. 

PSALM    XXIX. 

God's  Glory  seen  in  a  Thunder-storm. 

SONS  of  God,  arise  and  give 
Praise  to  Him  by  whom  ye  live ! 
Give  the  Lord  praise  due  his  name ! 
In  his  temple  speak  his  fame ! 

The  voice  of  God  along  the  shore 
Louder  sounds  than  ocean's  roar ! 
Thunders  now  the  Lord  above — 
Sounds  that  o'er  the  waters  move. 
& 


® H 

46  The   Psalms   in   Metee. 

O  the  voice  of  God  is  strong ! 

Rolls  in  majesty  along ! 

It  the  lofty  cedar  breaks; 

It  the  mighty  mountain  shakes ! 

Lo !  the  mountains  seem  to  "bound ; 
Leap  they,  startled  by  the  sound ! 
Dance  they  wildly,  as  in  play, 
Ravished  by  some  joyful  lay ! 

Now  the  utt'rance  of  his  ire 
Cuts  from  clouds  the  flames  of  fire ; 
Flash  the  lightnings  wildly  forth, 
Dart  along  the  trembling  earth. 

Hinds  the  wild  confusion  hear, 
And  are  overcome  with  fear; 
Tempests  lay  the  forests  bare, 
Trees  and  boughs  unseemly  tear ! 

All  these  things  on  high,  below, 
God's  amazing  glory  show ; 
While  he  sits  the  storm  above, 
Still  th'  unchanging  God  of  love ! 

Yea,  he  reigns  for  evermore, 
On  the  earth  from  shore  to  shore; 
He  will  strength  in  us  increase, 
He  will  bless  his  saints  with  peace. 


The    Psalms    ix    Me  tee.  47 


PSALM    XXX. 

An    Offering   of  Praise. 

I  AVTLL  extol  my  Saviour, 


my 


For  he  has  raised  me  up, 
^Yhen  near  the  grave  he  found  me 
And  granted  me  my  hope. 

His  anger  lasts  a  moment, 

His  smiles  through  life  remain ; 

Grief  all  the  night  may  tarry, 
But  morn  brings  joy  again. 

O'er  me  my  foes'  rejoicing 
He  turned  to  bitter  shame ! 

Hence  songs  I  bring  before  him, 
And  praise  his  holy  name. 

I  once  said,  when  elated, 

"  I  shall  securely  rest ; " 
But  he  his  face  hid  from  me, 

And  left  me  sore  distressed: 

Then  I  made  supplication: 
"  Can  dust  thy  truth  declare  ? 

Or  can  my  death  thee  profit?" 
And  he  received  my  prayer. 


ss « 

48  The    Psalms    in    Metee. 

He  turned  my  grief  to  gladness ; 

To  comeliness  my  shame: 
Hence  songs  I  bring  before  hhn, 

And  praise  his  holy  name. 

PSALM    XXXI. 

PART    I. 

Prayer  in  Distress. 

O  LOKD,  I  in  thy  goodness  trust; 

Now  hear  me  while  I  pray ; 
Be  thou  my  rock  when  danger's  near, 

My  guide  when  dark  my  way. 

Be  thou  my  strength  to  set  me  free 

When  foes  my  feet  ensnare: 
To  shun  their  lying  vanities 

Let  truth  my  soul  prepare. 

Then  will  I,  through  thy  grace,  rejoice 
That  thou  hast  look'd  on  me; 

Nor  to  my  foes  me  given  up, 
But  from  them  set  me  free. 

But  now  I  am  consumed  of  grief, 
My  neighbors'  scorn  and  dread  ! 

They  shun  me  when  abroad  I  move — 
Forget  me  as  one  dead ! 

& & 


The   Psalms   in   Meter.  49 

With  fears  I  am  encompassed  round, 
While  slanderous  words  they  say, 

And  enter  into  counsel  vile 
To  take  my  life  away. 

But  thee  I  trust ;  thou  art  my  God ; 

My  life  is  in  thy  hand ; 
Deliver  me  from  my  distress — 

Protect  me  in  the  land. 

paet  n. 

Comfort  of  God's  People. 

LET  but  the  vile  "be  put  to  shame, 
Their  sudden  death  allowed; 

Be  but  the  lips  to  silence  put 

Which  speak  false  words  and  proud. 

Great  goodness  hast  thou  treasured  up, 
And  dost  thy  people  show; 

Thou  hidest  them  with  thee  secure 
From  eveiy  artful  foe. 

Praised  be  the  Lord,  he  has  me  blessed ; 

As  a  fenced  city  made ; 

Relieved  me  when  I  was  distressed, 

Encouraged  when  afraid. 
7 
K 


0 

50  The    Psalms    in    Metee. 

TJien  love  the  Lord,  ye  humble  ones, 

For  he  the  proud  repays; 
Be  of  good  courage,  strong  your  hearts, 

And  trust  him  all  your  days. 

PSALM    XXXI  L 

Tlie  Penitent  Pardoned. 

HAPPY  the  pardoned  soul 
In  Heaven's  complacent  smile ! 

It  is  set  free  from  sin's  control, 
And  dispossessed  of  guile. 

I  greatly  was  distressed, 

Nor  slightest  peace  could  see, 

Till  I  at  last  my  sin  confessed — 
My  great  iniquity. 

God  saw  my  sin-sick  soul 

By  grief  brought  near  the  grave ; 

His  gentle  voice  pronounced  me  whole, 
And  all  my  sins  forgave. 

The  floods  shall  not  o'erflow 
The  soul  to  God  that  prays; 

He  hides  me  from  the  cruel  foe, 
And  fills  my  mouth  with  praise. 
si 


is 

The    Psalms    in    Meter.  51 

He  kind  instruction  gives, 

And  keeps  on  me  his  eye ; 
Into  his  presence  he  receives, 

And  to  him  brings  me  nigh. 

The  wicked  are  distressed  ; 

The  saints  have  sweet  employ: 
For  they  of  God  are  greatly  blessed — 

They  shout  aloud  for  joy. 

PSALM     XXXIII. 

God  our  Creator,  Governor,  and  Protector. 

IX  the  Lord,  ye  saints,  rejoice; 
Lift  to  him  your  tuneful  voice, 
And  the  harp  enchanting  bring; 
To  the  great  Jehovah  sing. 
Let  all  bow  his  throne  before, 
And  his  name  again  adore; 
It  becomes  us  all  our  days 
Joyfully  to  sing  his  praise. 

All  the  words  of  God  are  right, 
All  his  acts  proclaim  his  might  ; 
Righteousness  in  man  he  wills, 
And  the  earth  with  goodness  fills. 
8 


® 8 

52  The    Psalms    in   Me  tee. 


He  the  heavens  above  us  made, 
All  the  glory  there  displayed, 
And  the  waters  of  the  deep 
Gathered  like  a  garnered  hear). 


Come,  ye  nations,  every  land, 
And  with  awe  before  him  stand. 
He  is  the  Almighty  One, 
For  he  spake,  and  it  was  done ; 
He  commanded,  it  stood  fast ! 
He  can  all  the  nations  blast. 
Ever  shall  his  reign  endure, 
And  his  purposes  are  sure. 

But  the  righteous  are  alone 
Chosen  by  him  for  his  own; 
And  on  them  with  purest  love, 
Looks  he  ever  from  above. 
Lo  !  the  nations  to  his  gaze 
Are  exposed  through  all  their  days ; 
And  he  only  by  his  power, 
Saves  in  peril's  dreadful  hour. 

When  opposing  hosts  engage, 
And  contending  forces  rage, 

0 


3 

The    Psalms   in   Meter  53 

The  hero  by  his  mercy  lives — 
God  alone  protection  gives. 
He  looks  kindly  on  the  just ; 
All  who  in  his  goodness  trust, 
He  forbids  death  should  them  kill, 
And  in  famine  feeds  them  still. 

Hence  he  is  our  constant  hope, 
And  our  souls  to  him  look  up ; 
He  is  our  abiding  shield, 
We  are  by  his  mercy  sealed; 
And  in  him  our  hearts  rejoice, 
"While  in  praise  we  lift  our  voice. 
Let  thy  goodness,  Lord  most  just, 
Be  on  us  as  thee  we  trust ! 

PSALM    XXXIV. 

PAET   I. 

God  Blesses  and  Protects  Ms  People. 

I  WILL  the  great  Jehovah  bless, 

And  ever  speak  his  praise ; 
Boast  in  his  truth  and  righteousness 

Through  all  my  earthly  days. 

Hear,  ye  afflicted,  and  rejoice, 
And  magnify  his  name; 


—  a 
54  The    Psalms    in    Meter. 

Let  us  together  raise  our  voice, 
And  his  great  love  proclaim. 

I  sought  the  Lord  in  fervent  prayer, 

He  listened  to  my  cry; 
To  save  me  from  my  fear  and  care, 

Through  grace  I  found  him  nigh. 

Look  then  to  him  in  your  distress; 

God  will  give  light  divine; 
The  rising  Sun  of  Righteousness 

Your  faces  cause  to  shine. 

The  angels  of  the  Lord  descend, 

And  all  the  saints  in  close; 
They  them  in  danger's  hour  defend, 

And  save  them  from  their  foes. 

O  taste  and  see  that  God  is  good ! 

He  will  his  favors  grant; 
The  "beasts  of  prey  may  lack  for  food, 

But  ye  no  good  shall  want. 

PART    II. 

Tlie  Penitent  Encouraged. 

COME  ye  who  will  instruction  hear, 

The  words  of  truth  receive ; 
They  will  you  teach  the  Lord  to  fear, 

And  in  his  ways  to  live. 

5 ■ g 


— _____ 0 

The    Psalms    ix    Meter.  55 

He  who  desires  life's  full  reward, 

And  Heaven's  continued  smile, 
Let  him  his  tongue  from  evil  guard, 

His  lips  from  speaking  guile. 

God  on  the  just  looks  kindly  down, 

And  hears  their  pious  claims; 
But  on  the  wicked  turns  his  frown — 

Blots  from  the  earth  their  names ! 

The  penitent  and  broken  heart 

He  is  divinely  near ; 
Vouchsafes  sweet  comfort  to  impart, 

And  dry  the  falling  tear. 

And  though,  oft-times,  afflictions  great 

The  righteous  may  befall, 
Yet  God  for  ever  guards  their  fate — 

Delivers  from  them  all. 

But  they  who  causeless  hate  the  just, 
Shall  God's  dread  judgments  slay ! 

While  his  rich  mercies  crown  the  trust 
Of  those  who  him  obey. 

PSALM     XXXV. 

PART    I. 

Prayer  concerning  Secret  Foes. 

O  LOBD,  take  hold  of  shield  and  buckler, 
Contend  against  my  cruel  foes; 

8 


56  The   Psalms    in    Me  tee. 

The  spear  and  ax  wield  thou  against  them, 
My  persecutors  all  oppose. 

Soon  let  them  be  disgraced,  confounded; 

Drive  them  like  dust  before  the  wind — 
Chased  by  the  angel  of  Jehovah, 

Against  whom  greatly  they  have  sinned ! 

They  without  cause  have  snares  laid  for  me, 

Sought  secretly  me  to  enthrall; 
Let  unforeseen  destruction  seize  them ! 

In  their  own  ruin  let  them  fall ! 

Then  will  I  boast  in  thy  protection; 

"  Who's  like  the  Lord  % "  my  soul  shall  say : 
"  The  weak  he  rescues  from  th'  oppressor, 

The  spoiler  makes  his  easy  prey  !  " 

PAET   II. 

Prayer  concerning  False  Witnesses. 

"FALSE  witnesses  rose  up  against  me, 
Asserting  what  ne'er  crossed  my  mind ; 

For  good  they  have  returned  me  evil, 
For  help,  my  overthrow  designed. 

Yet  for  their  sickness  I  wore  sackcloth, 
And  offered  for  them  fervent  prayer; 

As  one  when  mourning  for  his  mother, 
I  grief  endured  above  my  share. 
3 ff 


The   Psalms    ix   Meter.  57 

Still  cloth  my  fall  give  them  rejoicing, 
Extreme  delight  distress  instead; 

At  me  their  teeth  intently  gnashing, 
As  men  who  basely  mock  for  bread ! 

How  long,  O  Lord,  wilt  thou  behold  this? 

O  for  my  rescue  now  ajypear ! 
Then  will  I  in  the  great  assembly 

Thee  offer  praise  with  heart  sincere. 

part  m. 

Prayer  concerning  Public  Crimes. 

FORBID  my  foes  should  triumph  o'er  me : 
They  seek  not  quiet  in  the  land : 

O  Lord,  thou  seest :  be  not  silent — 
Thou  dost  their  mocking  understand. 

From  them  thy  servant  soon  deliver; 

Judge  me  in  truth  and  righteousness; 
Let  them  not  say,  "  We  have  our  longing — 

We  have  him  brought  to  deep  distress !  " 

Clothe  them  with  shame  and  ignominy, 
But  let  my  friends  in  thee  rejoice; 

So  shall  my  lips  pronounce  thee  righteous, 
And  long  thy  praise  employ  my  voice. 

8 


58  The   Psalms   in   Meter. 

PSALM    XXXVI. 

PART    I. 

Description  of  the  Wicked. 

TO  speak  about  his  guilt  extreme 
Who  has  in  grace  no  saving  part 

Is  a  sad  duty;  yet  this  theme 
I  find  now  pressing  on  my  heart. 

He  has,  him  to  restrain  from  crime, 
~No  fear  of  God  before  his  eyes, 

But  wickedly  misspends  his  time 
As  his  vile  nature  may  devise. 

Himself  he  flatters  that  his  ways 
Are  quite  as  good  as  there  is  need ; 

He  shuns  the  light  through  all  his  days- 
The  truth  he  hears  he  does  not  heed. 

His  words  his  purposes  disguise, 
Nor  his  deceit  and  guilt  declare; 

He  makes  no  effort  to  be  wise, 
And  to  do  good  is  not  his  care. 

In  night's  lone  hour,  while  others  sleep, 
He  crime  and  mischief  meditates ; 

Himself  from  vice  seeks  not  to  keep, 
And  sin  not  for  a  moment  hates. 


a 


The   Psalms   in   Meter.  59 

PART    II. 

God  his  People 's  Defense. 

THY  goodness,  Lord,  abroad  expands; 

Thy  faithfulness  mounts  to  the  sky ; 
Thy  righteousness  more  firmly  stands 

Than  do  the  mountains,  strong  and  high. 

Thy  judgments  are  a  mighty  deep ; 

Thy  care  o'er  all  the  earth  extends; 
Thou  for  thy  saints  dost  blessings  keep, 

Thy  mercy  ever  them  defends. 

Beneath  the  shadow  of  thy  wings, 
Safe  they  who  there  for  refuge  fly; 

Th'  abundance  from  thy  house  which  springs, 
Shall  all  their  longings  satisfy. 

They  unrestrained  drink  from  the  stream 
Of  joys  which  issues  from  thy  throne ; 

Thy  cheering  light  doth  on  them  beam ; 
The  life  divine  is  their' s  alone. 

O  let  thy  loving-kindness  still 

Thy  saints  upon  the  earth  attend; 

Help  them  to  do  thy  righteous  will, 
And  ever  from  their  foes  defend. 


hs 


® 

60  The  Psalms   in   Me  tee. 

PSALM    XXXVII. 

PART    I. 

The  Righteous  Exhorted  to  Trust  in  God. 

LET  not  the  wicked  thee  provoke, 

Nor  envy  in  thy  heart  excite; 
For  they  shall  fall  by  one  dread  stroke, 

And  quickly  wither  in  thy  sight. 

Then  in  the  Lord  put  thou  thy  trust, 
And  seek  the  ways  of  righteousness ; 

For  kindly  he  regards  the  just, 

And  will  with  his  rich  favors  bless. 

Yea,  cast  thy  cares  upon  the  Lord, 
Who  never  will  thy  trust  betray, 

But  thee  abundant  grace  afford — 
Thy  justice  to  the  world  display. 

Repose  on  God,  and  calmly  wait, 

Though  vice  should  for  a  time  succeed ; 

Do  not  the  wicked  imitate, 
Nor  hopeful  do  an  evil  deed. 

For  cursed  shall  they  be  in  the  land; 

Soon  shall  their  place  no  more  be  found ; 
But  for  the  just  God  will  command 

That  peace  and  plenty  shall  abound. 


, 3 

The    Psalms    in    Meter.  61 


PAET   IE 

God  Defends  the  Righteous. 

THE  vile  cannot -the  just  abide, 

But  madly  gnash  their  teeth  in  hate ; 

Yet  God  doth  all  their  plans  deride, 
For  he  beholds  their  coming  fate! 

The  wicked  seek  the  just  to  slay, 

And  hence  their  deadly  weapons  take ; 

But  to  them  they  shall  fall  a  prey — 
Their  weapons  in  their  hands  shall  break. 

Better  the  little  of  the  just 

Than  the  abundance  of  the  vile ! 

The  wicked  God  will  from  him  thrust, 
But  on  the  righteous  sweetly  smile. 

He  for  the  upright  kindly  cares, 
And  blesses  all  which  they  possess ; 

Against  the  evil  day  prepares, 

That  famine  may  not  them  distress. 

The  righteous  show  a  bounteous  hand; 

The  wicked  borrowed  goods  withhold : 
They  shall  be  rooted  from  the  land — 

Their  ruin  shall  the  just  behold. 

5 i 


® ® 

62  The    Psalms    in    Meter. 


part  III. 

God   Prospers   the   Righteous. 

THE  good  man's  steps  the  Lord  directs — 
Is  pleased  that  he  secure  should  stand; 

All  his  missteps  he  soon  corrects, 
And  kindly  holds  him  by  the  hand. 

I  have  not  once,  where'er  I've  been, 

Though  hoary  age  now  crowns  my  head, 

In  friendless  want  the  righteous  seen, 
Nor  yet  his  offspring  begging  bread. 

Let  all  thy  acts  in  life  be  right, 
Then  thou  shalt  ever  dwell  secure ; 

For  God  in  thee  will  take  delight, 
And  make  to  thee  his  mercies  sure. 

The  wicked  God  will  ne'er  defend — 
Their  offspring,  even,  shall  not  stand ! 

But  he  the  righteous  will  attend, 
And  give  them  to  possess  the  land. 

PAET    IV. 

God  Sustains  and  Saves  the  Righteous. 

THE  righteous  man  wise  counsel  gives, 
His  lips  words  right  and  prudent  say  ; 

His  heart  the  law  of  God  receives, 
His  footsteps  firmly  keep  his  way. 

g _ 1 


g 

The    Psalms    in    Metee.  63 

Against  him  though  tire  wicked  rise, 
He  shall  in  perfect  safety  stand ; 

Yea,  they  shall  fall  before  his  eyes, 
And  leave  him  to  possess  the  land. 

I've  seen  the  wicked  man  in  power, 
Like  th'  cedar  reaching;  far  around ; 

But  while  I  gazed  he  was  no  more ! 
I  sought  him,  but  he  was  not  found. 

Mark  thou  the  righteous  all  his  days, 
His  end  at  last  is  perfect  peace ! 

The  wicked  perish  in  their  ways — 
Yea,  soon  in  all  the  land  they  cease. 

Salvation,  coming  from  the  Lord, 
He  has  appointed  for  the  just ; 

And  he  will  his  kind  help  afford 
To  all  who  in  his  mercy  trust. 

PSALM    XXXVIII. 

Prayer  of  Penitence. 

LORD,  rebuke  me  not  in  anger, 

Though  my  sins  thy  wrath  demand; 

Now  thine  arrows  deeply  pierce  me ; 
Heavy  on  me  is  thy  hand. 
I s 


g $ 

64  The  Psalms   in   Metee. 

In  my  flesh  there  is  no  soundness, 

Sorely  is  my  soul  depressed ; 
For  my  sins  in  grief  o'erwhelm  me — 

As  a  burden  on  me  rest. 

In  mine  own  eyes  I  am  loathsome, 
To  the  earth  am  I  bowed  down ; 

All  the  day  long  do  I  go  mourning; 
I  am  tortured  by  thy  frown ! 

But  my  longing,  Lord,  thou  knowest ; 

My  distress  is  seen  by  thee; 
Lo  !  my  heart  now  pants  through  weakness — 

Light  mine  eyes  refuse  to  see ! 

• 
Former  friends  now  all  forsake  me, 

Foes  lay  snares  along  my  way; 

And  they  threaten  my  destruction — 

Act  deceitful  all  the  day. 

Yet  do  I  refrain  from  speaking, 
Seem  as  one  that  does  not  hear; 

While  on  thee  my  soul  reposes ; 
For  thou  wilt  incline  thine  ear. 

Let  them  never  have  occasion 

Of  rejoicing  by  my  fall ! 
Now  to  thee  I  make  confession — 

Now  for  help  on  thee  I  call. 

i $ 


® S5 

The   Psalms   in   Meter.  65 

They  are  strong  and  greatly  flourish ; 

Lo,  they  rapidly  increase ! 
Though  they  good  repay  with  evil, 

Still  I  seek  the  way  of  peace, 

O  may  I  not  be  forsaken, 

Do  not  at  a  distance  stand; 
Visit  me  with  thy  salvation ; 

Now  to  me  extend  thine  hand. 

PSALM    XXXIX. 

PAET    L 

The   Vanity   of  Human  Life. 

BEFOEE  the  wicked  I  resolved 

That  I  would  guard  my  way, 
And  not  my  tongue  employ  in  speech, 

Lest  they  my  words  gainsay. 

For  I  had  thought  how  time  sweeps  by 

Like  a  resistless  flood; 
And  then  was  I  with  silence  dumb — 

I  spake  not  even  good.  , 

But  silence  caused  intenser  pain, 

Till  all  my  peace  had  fled; 
Then  burst  the  fires  of  anguish  forth, 

And  earnestly  I  said: 


® m 

66  The    Psalms    in    Meter. 

"  O  Lord,  make  me  to  know  mine  end ; 

My  days  how  soon  they  pass; 
Give  me  to  see  how  frail  I  am — 

I  wither  as  the  grass. 

"As  a  handbreadth  is  all  my  life; 

'Tis  nothing  in  thy  sight ; 
Man  is  at  best  but  vanity — 

Day's  soon-departing  light ! 

"  Disquiets  he  himself  in  vain, 

And  riches  treasures  up ; 
But  while  he  thus  for  nothing  toils, 

O  Lord,  thou  art  my  hope." 

PART   II. 

A  Prayer  in  Sickness. 

WHEN  in  affliction's  fearful  hour, 

With  wasting  illness  weak, 
I  saw  how  frail  is  human  life, 
•    My  tongue  refused  to  speak. 

O  Lord,  my  grievous  sins  forgive, 

And  lift  on  me  thy  smile; 
And  scoffers  all  to  silence  put, 

Who  stand  and  me  revile. 
a : — — 1 


8 — — — 31 

The   Psalms   o   Metee.  67 

Thy  dread  infliction,  too,  remove, 
The  stroke  'neath  which  I  lay; 

For  when  thou  scourgest  man  for  sin, 
His  glory  wastes  away. 

Ah  !  surely  man  is  vanity — 

Me  who  can  help  but  thee? 
Do  thou,  to  whom  I  offer  prayer, 

My  tears  and  anguish  see. 

As  were  my  fathers,  so  am  I, 

A  brief  sojourner  here ; 
A  stranger  wand'rin£  to  and  fro, 

With  warring  hope  and  fear. 

0  spare  me,  thou  by  whom  I  live, 

And  strength  to  me  restore; 
For  hence  ere  long  must  I  depart, 

And  be  on  earth  no  more. 

PSALM    XL. 

PART   I. 

The  Sinner  Saved. 

IN  a  dismal  pit  I  lay 
Sinking  in  the  miry  clay; 
But  on  God  I  waited  there, 
Patiently,  in  silent  prayer. 


68  The   Psalms   in   Metee. 

He  attentive,  from  on  high, 
Listened  to  my  plaintive  cry ; 
And  in  condescending  love, 
Gently  caught  me  from  above. 

From  the  pit  he  "brought  me  up, 
Filled  my  heart  with  joyful  hope ; 
Raised  me  by  his  drawings  sweet, 
On  a  rock  made  sure  my  feet. 

Him  to  serve  he  made  me  strong; 
Gave  to  me  a  joyful  song, 
Even  a  new  song  of  praise, 
"Which  I'll  sing  through  all  my  days. 

Many  my  escape  shall  see, 
And,  my  Saviour,  trust  in  thee; 
While  they  to  thy  throne  draw  near, 
And  thee  serve  with  filial  fear. 

Happy  he  who  trusts  in  God — 
In  the  Saviour's  precious  blood, 
Rather  than  in  men,  for  aid, 
WTio  have  false  pretensions  made. 

paet  n. 

The  Work  of  Redemption. 

MANY  works  thou,  Lord,  hast  done ; 
Wonderful  are  every  one! 
5 I 


8 

The   Psalms    i:sr   Metee.  69 

All  thy  purposes  are  kind — 
They  cannot  be  called  to  mind. 

None  to  thee  can  be  compared; 
None  thy  glory  yet  has  shared ; 
But  demands  the  highest  place 
'Mid  thy  works,  the  work  of  grace ! 

God  could  never  take  delight 
In  the  sacrificial  rite ; 
And  though  hecatombs  were  slain, 
They  could  not  his  favor  gain. 

But  the  Saviour  said,  "Behold, 
Now  I  come,  as  long  foretold ; 
Sinners  I  to  God  will  draw, 
Magnify  and  keep  the  law. 

By  the  right  will  I  abide, 

I  will  not  his  justice  hide, 

But  his  faithfulness  make  known — 

Mercy  leads  me  to  atone ! 

And  my  heralds  shall  proclaim 
Through  the  world  a  Saviour's  name; 
My  rich  grace  they  shall  possess, 
Teach  the  way  of  righteousness. 
s S 


8 

70  The   Psalms   in   Me  tee. 

part  in. 

Prayer  in  Temptation. 

LOBD,  do  not  from  me  withhold 
Mercy  which  has  been  of  old ! 
Evils  have  me  compassed  round, 
Me  my  sin  at  last  has  found. 

O  my  sins  are  numberless ! 
Me  involving  in  distress; 
But,  O  Lord,  thy  mercy  give; 
Let  me  in  thy  favor  live. 

May  my  constant,  subtile  foe, 
Who  would  me  involve  in  woe, 
And  my  very  life  devour, 
Be  defeated  by  thy  power ! 

Be  the  tempter  driven  back, 
As  he  comes  me  to  attack; 
But  may  all  the  saints  rejoice — 
In  thy  praise  employ  their  voice. 

Though  I  am  a  suff'rer  here, 
To  my  cry  God  turns  his  ear; 
Come,  my  Saviour,  now,  I  pray ; 
Me  to  bless  make  no  delay. 

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8 £} 

The    Psalms    i^    Meter.  71 


PSALM     XL  I. 

PART   L 

The  Reward  of  Charity. 

HE  who  the  suffring  poor 

Of  his  abundance  gives, 
Nor  rudely  spurns  them  from  his  door, 

Reward  on  earth  receives. 

If  troubles  round  him  press, 

Him  God  will  then  set  free; 
And  in  the  hour  of  sad  distress 

His  comforter  will  be. 

If  dangers  throng  his  way, 
From  them  God  will  protect ; 

Deliver  from  the  evil  day — 
In  mercy  him  correct. 

If  foes  should  him  assail, 

And  seek  to  take  his  life, 
They  shall  not  over  him  prevail, 

But  end  in  shame  their  strife. 

If  sickness  waste  his  frame, 

God  then  will  give  him  rest; 
In  all  things  we  may  think  or  name, 

He  shall  be  greatly  blessed. 
Bi 


si i 

72  The    Psalms    in    Metee. 


paet  n. 

Deceitful  Foes  and  Treacherous  Friends. 

BE  merciful,  O  God, 

And  hear  my  earnest  prayer; 
O'er  me  spread  thy  protection  broad, 

And  from  the  wicked  spare. 

Though  friendship  they  pretend, 

And  me  their  visits  make, 
In  them  deceit  and  malice  blend; 

Abroad  they  falsehoods  speak. 

They  hatred  clearly  show, 

And  my  defeat  devise; 
They  whisper,  "  He  has  fallen  low, 

And  shall  no  more  arise." 

Yea,  and  through  their  deceit, 

My  friend,  who  by  my  side 
Oft  did  at  mine  own  table  eat, 

Has  with  my  foes  allied. 

O  God,  my  cause  defend; 

Defeat  my  cruel  foes ; 
Be  thou  my  sure,  abiding  friend, 

And  give  me  sweet  repose. 

Q 




The    Psalms    in    Me  tee.  73 


BOOK     II. 


PSALMS  XLII  and  XLIIL 

Longing  after  God. 

AS  pants  the  hart  for  water  brooks, 
So  pants  my  soul,  O  God,  for  thee: 

Yea,  for  the  living  God  I  thirst ; 
O  when  shall  I  his  glory  see? 

My  tears  have  been  my  daily  food, 

While  scoffers  ask,  Where  is  thy  God  ? 

And  glancing  o'er  the  past  again, 

My  soul  flows  out  in  wasting  pain ; 

For  I  had  gone  with  joyful  lay 

With  those  who  fain  keej3  holy  day. 

But  why,  my  soul,  art  thou  cast  down? 

Why  bowed  beneath  the  foe's  dread  frown? 

Hope  thou  in  God,  and  sing  his  praise; 

His  presence  will  prolong  my  days. 

Yet  sorely  is  my  soul  depressed; 

In  exile  from  thy  house  of  prayer, 

Thee  will  I  make  my  constant  rest, 

And  call  to  mind  thy  mercies  there. 
10 

8 


74  The   Psalms   in    Meter. 

Deep  calls  to  deep,  for  storm  now  raves, 
And  o'er  rne  drives  impetuous  waves! 
Still  God  will  be  my  song  by  night, 
By  day.  my  trust  and  chief  delight, 
Though  now  I  feel  th'  oppressor's  rod, 
And  scoffers  ask,  "  Where  is  thy  God  ? " 
But  why,  my  soul,  art  thou  cast  down? 
Why  bowed  beneath  the  foe's  dread  frown? 
Hope  thou  in  God,  and  sing  his  praise; 
His  presence  will  prolong  my  days. 

Judge  me,  O  God,  and  plead  my  cause; 

O  save  me  from  the  cruel  foe ! 
Thou  art  my  strength — why  cast  me  off? 

Why  should  I  still  thus  mourning  go? 
O  send  thy  light  abroad  as  flame, 
To  all  around  thy  truth  proclaim, 
That  they  may  gently  lead  me  still, 
And  bring  me  to  thy  holy  hill  ; 
Where  praise  shall  my  best  hours  employ 
Before  thee,  my  exceeding  joy  ! 
Why  then,  my  soul,  art  thou  cast  down  ? 
Why  bowed  beneath  the  foe's  dread  frown  ? 
Hope  thou  in  God,  and  sing  his  praise ; 
His  presence  will  prolong  my  days. 


& & 


The  Psalms   in   Meter.  75 

PSALM    XLIV. 

PAET   I. 

Praise  for  National  Independence. 

O  LORD,  our  ears  have  heard 

Words  which  our  hearts  have  stirred ; 

Our  fathers  have  us  told 

Thy  works  in  days  of  old ; 
How  thou  didst  them  with  kindness  bless, 
And  crown  their  arms  with  great  success ! 

Thou  didst  wdth  thine  own  hand 

Drive  our  foes  from  the  land, 

And  plant  our  fathers  here, 

Safe  from  distressing  fear ; 
And  give  them  great  prosperity, 
And  make  them  'mid  the  nations  free ! 

Not  by  their  might  did  they 

In  battle  gain  the  day, 

And  this  fair  land  possess, 

With  no  foe  to  oppress ; 
But  thou  didst  thine  own  arm  extend, 
And  them  against  their  foes  defend  ! 

Thou  art,  O  God,  our  King  ! 
And  we  thy  mercies  sing; 
For  in  each  time  of  need 
We  shall  through  Thee  succeed ; 
0 ® 


76  The   Psalms   in   Metee. 

And  ever  triumph  o'er  our  foes — 
Safe  while  we  in  thy  power  repose! 

And  Thou  art  now  our  shield, 

To  guard  us  in  the  field, 

While  a  disastrous  fate 

Befalls  them  who  us  hate ! 
And  hope  we,  through  the  coming  days, 
In  Thee  to  glory — Thee  to  praise  ! 

paet  n. 

Prayer  in  National  Disaster. 

O  LORD,  why  cast  us  off, 

Make  us  the  nations'  scoff? 

For  foes  amid  us  rise, 

And  our  just  laws  despise ; 
While  thou  dost  not  our  hosts  attend, 
Nor  from  their  enemies  defend. 

Our  goods  they  make  their  prey, 

Our  men  in  battle  slay. 

We  to  distress  are  brought ; 

Thou  sellest  us  for  naught; 
So  that  in  our  disgrace  and  shame, 
The  nations  round  despise  our  name ! 

Great  are  our  sorrows,  yet 
We  do  not  thee  forget ; 

a . __ — fi 


S3 

The    Psalms    ix    Me  tee.  77 

Nor  from  thy  truth  depart ; 

Nor  draw  from  thee  our  heart ; 
Nor  freedom's  covenant  forsake, 
Which  thou  didst  with  our  fathers  make ! 

If  we  had  turned  from  thee, 
Or  been  from  justice  free, 
Or  made  strange  gods  our  own, 
It  all  thou  wouldst  have  known: 

But  as  from  thee  we  will  not  stay, 

Our  foes  us  slaughter  all  the  day. 

O  Lord,  for  us  awake ! 

Us  into  favor  take ; 

While  in  the  dust  we  lie, 

Do  not  our  suit  deny ; 
But  now  our  arms  crown  with  success, 
And  us  in  thy  great  mercy  bless. 

PSALM    XLV. 

PAET    I. 
Christ,  the  Glorious  King. 

OF  thee,  O  Christ,  I  love  to  sing; 
Thou  art  my  Saviour  and  my  King; 
Loosen  my  tongue  to  sing  thy  praise, 
And  teach  thy  sacred  laws  and  ways. 

3 


® : 

78  The    Psalms   in    Metee. 

Fairer  than  all  the  sons  of  men 
Thou  art,  and  hast  for  ever  been. 
Great  grace  upon  thy  lips  is  poured — 
For  ever  blessed,  thou  art  the  Lord. 

Gird  on  thy  sword,  thy  mighty  power ; 
Make  this  a  grand,  successful  hour ; 
For  goodness,  truth,  and  justice'  sake, 
Victorious  power  now  to  thee  take. 

Hide  forth  to  conquest,  Saviour,  ride ! 
For  thy  right  hand  shall  be  thy  guide. 
Let  all  the  nations  fall  before 
Thy  throne,  and  solemnly  adore. 

The  throne  supreme  belongs  to  thee, 
Thy  scepter  rules  in  equity; 
All  virtues  are  by  thee  possessed, 
Of  God  above  thy  fellows  blessed. 

Perfume  thy  garments  sweetly  scents ; 
Thy  praise  pours  forth  from  instruments ; 
The  Church,  thy  bride,  at  thy  right  hand 
Doth  in  her  grace  and  beauty  stand. 

PAET   IT. 

The  Church  the  LamVs  Bride. 

O  DAUGHTER  of  the  Highest,  hear, 
And  to  thy  Lord  incline  thine  ear; 

SI S 


8 

The   Psalms   in   Meter.  79 

Forget  thou  not  thy  humble  race, 
Who  have  not  yet  been  saved  by  grace ! 

If  thou  to  Christ  art  ever  true, 
He  then  will  thee  with  pleasure  view ; 
Of  thee  the  rich  will  favors  seek, 
And  all  of  thy  vast  merits  sj)eak. 

O  thou  art  glorious  to  behold ! 
Thy  robes  embroidered  are  with  gold ! 
And  higher  thou  shalt  yet  ascend, 
While  joyful  angels  thee  attend. 

These  shall  with  songs  all  join  to  sing, 
Come  to  the  palace  of  thy  King ! 
Thy  children  then  shall  with  thee  stand, 
All  honored  in  that  better  land ! 

Thy  name  shall  then  be  known  abroad, 
Through  all  the  vast  domains  of  God ! 
And  all  who  do  thy  Lord  adore, 
Shall  speak  thy  praise  for  evermore ! 

PSALM    XLVI. 

Security  of  the  Church. 

THE  Lord  is  our  refuse  and  strength ; 

In  trouble  our  help  ever  near; 
The  ground  may  be  shaken  beneath, 

But  nothing  the  saints  have  to  fear. 


Bi ® 

80  The  Psalms   iist   Me  tee. 

Though  the  waters  of  oceans  should  roar, 
And  earth  with  their  violence  shake, 

Or  the  mountains  be  hurled  in  the  sea, 
God  would  not  his  people  forsake ! 

He  is  in  the  midst  of  his  Church, 

And  cheers  it  with  streams  of  his  grace ; 

With  him  for  its  help  and  defense, 
It  shall  not  be  moved  from  its  place. 

Around  it  the  nations  all  raged; 

But  God  by  his  voice  drove  them  hence, 
And  kindly  with  us  still  remained — 

Our  refuge,  and  strength,  and  defense ! 

Come,  see  all  his  works  on  the  earth 
Which  he  has  performed  for  our  sake ! 

For  us  he  makes  wars  rage  or  cease — 
His  voice  makes  the  nations  to  quake: 

"  Desist  ye,  and  know  I  am  God  ! 

I  over  the  nations  will  reign ; 
My  power  shall  extend  through  the  earth 

And  forever  and  ever  remain  ! " 

Around  us  the  nations  may  rage, 

But  God  will  soon  drive  them  all  hence; 

And  kindly  with  us  still  remain, 
Our  refuge,  and  shield,  and  defense ! 

3 __ 4 


!$_ _ _3 

The   Psalms    in   Meter.  81 


PSALM    XLVII. 

Exhortation  to  praise  the  Ascended  Saviour. 

O  CLAP  your  hands,  ye  nations, 

And  sing  Jehovah's  praise ! 
For  on  the  earth  he  triumphs, 

And  holy  are  his  ways. 

He  is  our  king  and  Saviour, 

All  others  far  above; 
Our  lot  for  us  he's  chosen, 

And  placed  on  us  his  love ! 

He  has  to  heaven  ascended — 

He  is  the  mighty  King ! 
Sing  praise  to  him,  sing  praises ! 

With  joyful  voices  sing ! 

Sing  to  the  risen  Saviour ! 

O  sing  his  worthy  praise ! 
He'll  reign  o'er  all  the  nations 

Through  all  succeeding  days. 

The  throne  is  his  forever; 

His  is  a  royal  race; 

The  princes  to  him  gather, 

All  ransomed  by  his  grace. 
ll 

— 8 


82  The   Psalms   in   Me  tee. 

To  Christ  belong  the  mighty; 

His  mercy  they  implore: 
Supremely  he's  exalted — 

Let  us  his  name  adore ! 


PSALM    XLVIII. 

The  Beauty  and  Security  of  Zion. 

GREAT  is  Jehovah,  the  Sov'reign  eternal ; 

Greatly  his  praise  should  be  sounded  abroad ; 
Praise  him,  ye  righteous,  in  his  holy  mountain, 

City  established  and  chosen  of  God. 

Beautiful  is  Zion  in  its  elevation, 

Joy  of  the  earth,  ever  peaceful  and  fair ; 

People  from  far  gladly  come  to  this  temple — 
Refuge  in  danger,  and  hope  in  despair. 

Earth's  mighty  ones  all  against  it  assemble; 

Schemes  to  destroy  it  ingeniously  lay ; 
But  as  they  gaze  they  are  wholly  confounded : 

Make  it  their  refuge,  or  haste  far  away. 

As  we  have  heard,  so  we  gladly  have  witnessed ; 

Efforts  of  foes  are  all  futile  and  vain ; 
God's  holy  city  his  strength  has  made  mighty; 

Firm  in  his  wisdom  it  e'er  shall  remain. 

*3 fl 


— 8 

The    Psalms    in    Metee.  83 

Think,  O  ye  people,  of  his  loving-kindness ; 

Through  all  the  earth  declare  ye  his  praise; 
Justly  he  sways  o'er  the  earth  now  his  scepter, 

Hence  all  the  righteous  rejoice  in  his  ways. 

Go  ye  round  Zion,  and  number  her  towers ! 

Mark  ye  her  bulwarks  and  palaces  well ! 
Publish  its  strength  to  the  next  generation — 

God  with  his  people  for  ever  will  dwell. 

PSALM    XLIX. 

Death  the  Sure  Fate  of  All. 
THE   PRELUDE. 

COME  all  who  understanding  seek, 
To  whate'er  caste  ye  may  belong; 

My  mouth  shall  words  of  wisdom  speak — 
I'll  utter  truth  in  sacred  song. 

THE   HY1LN". 

In  evil  days  why  should  I  fear, 

Encompassed  by  insidious  foes, 
They  who  in  costly  robes  appear, 

And  proudly  in  their  wealth  repose? 

No  man  his  brother  can  redeem 
That  he  on  earth  should  ever  live; 
$ 


84  The   Psalms   in   Me  tee. 

Too  great  is  the  demand  for  him — 
He  has  not  the  vast  sum  to  give. 

Alike  the  wise  and  foolish  die, 

And  all  their  worldly  wealth  forsake; 

Even  their  houses,  should  they  try, 
They  could  not  undecaying  make. 

Their  very  names  will  soon  decay, 
Though  they  in  life  for  honor  strove; 

Their's  was  a  vain  and  foolish  way, 
And  yet  the  world  their  lives  approve. 

Thus  they  descend  into  the  grave, 
And  no  more  have  on  earth  a  place; 

Them  God  from  death  declined  to  save — 
But  we  for  life  will  trust  his  grace. 

Let  fear  nor  envy  thee  distress 

When  men  around  in  wealth  increase ; 

For  death  will  them  ere  long  possess, 
And  then  their  glory  all  will  cease. 

Though  thee  all  worldly  men  should  praise, 
When  for  thyself  thou  doest  well, 

Thou  soon  shalt  perish  in  thy  ways, 
And  ever  cease  on  earth  to  dwell. 
I 


& 

The   Psalms   ix   Metee.  85 

PSALM    L. 

PART    I. 

God  Speaking  in  his  Sanctuary. 

THE  mighty  God  calls  to  the  earth 
From  ruornino;  until  nio;ht ; 

From  Zion,  beautiful  and  pure, 
Sends  forth  his  holy  light. 

He  comes  in  glorious  majesty, 
And  utters  words  profound ; 

Before  him  is  devouring  fire, 
And  tempests  rage  around. 

He  comes  and  will  his  people  judge, 
Wlio  solemn  vows  have  made; 

"  Nowr  let  them  all,"  he  cries  aloud, 
"  Before  me  be  arrayed ! " 

His  justice  and  his  righteousness 
His  works  proclaim  abroad; 

On  him  the  wise  cannot  impose: 
The  judge  is  even  God. 

PART   LL 

God's  Demand  of  his  People. 

HEAB,  O  my  people !  I  will  speak, 
And  admonition  give; 


-*5 


8 85 

86  The  Psalms   in   Metee. 

For  I  am  God,  thy  God  and  King, 
By  whom  alone  ye  live. 

For  all  thy  sacrifices,  brought 

Without  sincerest  love, 
And  works  of  righteousness  and  peace, 

I  now  will  thee  reprove. 

The  cattle  on  a  thousand  hills, 
And  all  the  beasts,  are  mine; 

And  if  thy  heart  is  not  sincere, 
I  naught  will  have  of  thine. 

With  perfect  vision,  I  the  birds 

Of  all  the  mountains  see ; 
And  did  I  need  their  sacrifice, 

I  would  not  come  to  thee. 

But  with  thanksgiving  on  thy  lips, 
Come  thou  my  throne  before ; 

And  pay  thy  vows  to  the  Most  High, 
And  solemnly  adore. 

Then  offer  up  thy  fervent  prayers 

When  danger  thee  is  nigh, 
And  I  will  thee  defend ;  and  thus 

Thou  me  shalt  glorify. 


The    Psalms    in    Meter.  87 


PART    III. 

God's  Demand  of  the  Wicked. 

THOU  who  dost  live  in  wickedness, 

Why  of  my  statutes  speak  ? 
Why  my  laws  sound  abroad,  when  thou 

Instruction  dost  not  seek? 

My  words  thou  dost  behind  thee  cast, 

To  robbery  consent ; 
In  fellowship  join  with  the  vile, 

And  speak  with  ill  intent. 

All  these  things  often  thou  hast  done, 

While  silent  I  remained; 
Till  thou  didst  think  I  was  like  thee, 

And  justice  merely  feigned. 

But  I  at  last  will  thee  reprove, 

Will  thy  whole  life  inspect. 
Stop !  lest  I  thee  in  pieces  tear, 

And  no  one  thee  protect. 

But  turn  to  me  with  heart  sincere, 
And  thou  my  grace  shalt  know; 

For  to  him  who  regards  his  ways 
I  will  salvation  show. 

gj . . -3 


g __ ® 

88    The  Psalms  in  Meter. 

PSALM  LI. 

Confession  and  Prayer  of  a  Penitent. 

ACCOKDING  to  thy  mercy  great, 
O  Lord,  regard  my  wretched  state; 
In  kindness  all  my  sins  forgive, 
And  let  me  by  thy  favor  live. 

Wash  me  from  every  sinful  stain; 
May  no  guilt  on  my  heart  remain ; 
For  I  my  sins  to  thee  confess — 
They  fill  my  heart  with  deep  distress. 

Against  thee,  Saviour,  only  thee, 
My  crimes  were  wrought,  which  now  I  see ; 
And  me  should st  thou  far  from  thee  thrust, 
Thou  wouldst  be  righteous  still,  and  just. 

O'er  my  depravity  I  grieve, 
For  inborn  sin  doth  to  me  cleave; 
But  thou  canst  wash  the  stain  away, 
And  help  me  thy  just  laws  obey. 

O  let  me  hear  thy  pard'ning  voice ! 
Bid  my  poor,  broken  heart  rejoice ! 
Yea,  a  clean  heart  in  me  create, 
And  me  in  saving  grace  instate. 

3 : | 


ja— ® 

The   Psalms   in   Metee.  89 

Cast  me  not  from  thee,  Lord,  I  pray; 
Nor  thy  good  Spirit  take  away : 
May  I  thy  great  salvation  gain; 
And  let  thy  Spirit  me  sustain. 

Then  will  I  teach  thy  holy  ways, 

And  sinners,  saved,  shall  learn  thy  praise ; 

Lord,  now  to  me  salvation  bring, 

And  loud  my  tongue  thy  praise  shall  sing ! 

Hadst  thon  desired  sacrifice, 
It  I  had  brought,  of  richest  price ; 
But  thee  a  contrite  heart  I  give, 
And  it  just  now  thou  dost  receive ! 

How  sweet  I  find  the  gracious  way ! 
And  now  for  Zion,  Lord,  I  pray; 
Build  up  its  walls,  accept  its  praise — 
Thy  saints  make  joyful  all  their  days. 

PSALM    LII. 

The  Deceitful  Tongue. 

O  WHY  in  mischief  take  delight, 

Thou  man  of  violence  ? 
For  God  his  goodness  will  maintain, 

And  favors  still  dispense. 

12 
8 ® 


90  The    Psalms    iist    Metee. 

Thy  tongue,  which  like  a  razor  sharp, 

Works  mischief  all  the  day  ; 
Is  a  performer  of  deceit — 

It  speaks  but  to  betray. 

Thou  tongue  (the  servant  of  a  heart 
Which  grace  has  not  renewed) 

Thou  lovest  lying  more  than  truth, 
And  evil  more  than  good. 

Thou  ruin  ever  dost  devise, 

Alike  of  old  and  young ; 
Thou  lovest  all  devouring  words, 

O  thou  deceitful  tongue! 

But  thou  art  to  destruction  doomed; 

Soon  run  is  thy  short  race ; 
God  thee  will  seize,  and  as  is  just, 

Tear  from  thy  dwelling-place. 

The  righteous  shall  behold  and  fear: 

Proclaim  his  fall  abroad 
Who  trusted  in  deceit  and  wealth, 

But  sought  not  help  from  God. 

But  they,  like  the  green  olive  trees, 

Shall  in  God's  temple  stand; 
Shall  in  his  gracious  works  rejoice, 
And  prosper  in  the  land. 
g _- 


R 3 

The    Psalms    in    Me  tee.  91 


PSALM    LIII. 

Universal  Depravity. 

SAYS  the  heart  of  the  foolish  ones,  "  There  is 
no  God  ! " 
They  all  are  corrupt  and  have  hateful  things 
done ; 
Though  great  is  their  number,  not  one  doeth 
good ; 
God  looked  down  from  heaven,  and  he  could 


find 


none. 


Xone  fully  their  duty  to  God  understand, 
But  all  with  delight  into  wickedness  ran; 

Our  race  now  is  fallen  throughout  all  the  land, 
There  is  none  that  good  doeth ;  no,  not  even 
one. 

But  shall  not  all  they  who  in  sin  take  delight, 
Who,    hating    God's    people,    them    fiercely 
devour, 
And  shunning  his  worship,   bow   not    in   his 
sight, 
Be  judged  in  the  end,    and   feel  his   dread 
power  I 
\ $ 


55 3 

92  The    Psalms    in    Metek. 

All !    then  shall   they  tremble   before  hini  in 
fear ; 
But  the  righteous  he  will  more  abundantly 
bless ; 
For  though  they  now  meet  with  derision  and 
sneer, 
Their  refuge  he  stands  in  the  clay  of  distress. 

O  that  out  of  Zion  salvation  would  come 
To  them  thou  didst  ransom,  the  race  of  thy 
choice  ! 
When  thine  exiles  on  earth  thou  at  last  shalt 
bring  home, 
They  then  shall  praise  thee,  and  in  gladness 
rejoice. 

PSALM     L  I  V. 

Prayer  and  Praise. 

O  SAVE  me  by  thy  name, 

My  God,  my  Strength,  my  Friend ! 

Now  let  my  prayer  before  thee  come, 
Do  thou  my  cause  defend. 

For  foes  against  me  rise; 

Oppressors  seek  my  life; 
They  set  not  Thee  before  their  eyes, 

But  take  delight  in  strife. 
a _ .a 


The    Psalms    iist    Meter.  93 

Behold  !  God  is  my  help ; 

He  will  ray  life  preserve; 
But  them  cut  off,  for  his  truth's  sake, 

Who  him  refuse  to  serve. 

To  thee  I  sacrifice, 

My  God,  my  Strength,  my  Friend ! 
I  offer  joyful  songs  of  praise, 

For  thou  dost  me  defend. 


PSALM    LV. 

Prayer  for  Deliverance  from  Enemies. 

HEAK,  O  God,  my  supplication, 

Listen  to  my  earnest  prayer; 
All  day  long  do  I  go  mourning, 

For  my  foes  would  me  ensnare. 
My  heart  trembles  in  my  bosom 

At  the  sight  of  danger  near  ! 
Death's  dread  terrors  all  have  seized  me ! 

I  am  overwhelmed  by  fear ! 

0  how  oft  I,  in  my  sorrow, 
Think,  had  I  wings  like  a  dove, 

1  would  ny  to  peaceful  regions, 
And  there  find  the  rest  I  love ! 

gl ^ & 


8 3 

94  The    Psalms    in    Metee. 

I  would  haste  away  for  shelter, 
From  the  fearful,  rushing  wind; 

I  would  thus  escape  from  sorrow — 
Quiet  and  contentment  find. 

Ah !  not  foes  alone  revile  me ; 

I  such  sorrow  could  have  borne ; 
Were  I  hated  by  a  stranger, 

I  would  have  less  cause  to  mourn : 
But  my  friend  and  mine  acquaintance, 

With  whom  I  sweet  counsel  held, 
He  who  joined  with  me  in  worship, 

Has  against  my  life  rebelled. 

Thus  I  am  by  foes  surrounded, 

Who  do  not  delight  in  peace; 
Lord,  I  pray,  divide  their  counsels! 

Let  fraud  and  oppression  cease! 
Wickedness  is  in  their  dwellings  ; 

Still  thou  me  wilt  from  them  save ; 
Suddenly  shall  death  seize  on  them — 

They  shall  sink  into  the  grave. 

I  at  morn,  and  noon,  and  evening, 
Will  to  thee  lift  up  my  voice, 

For  thou  present  art  to  save  me, 
That  my  heart  may  yet  rejoice. 

S 


S H 

The   Psalms   in   Meter.  95 

As  they  had  escaped  reverses, 

They  rebelled  against  their  friend ; 

All  their  words  were  false,  deceitful ; 
But  thou  wilt  the  just  defend. 

PSALM    LVI. 

Confidence  in  God  's  Care. 

HAVE  pity  on  me,  O  nry  God, 

For  men  pant  for  my  life; 
Through  all  the  day  they  me  oppress, 

And  take  delight  in  strife. 
But  though  my  foes  against  me  join, 

Still  will  I  trust  in  thee; 
God  is  my  friend;  I  will  not  fear; 

What  can  flesh  do  to  me? 

Against  me  evil  they  devise, 

And  all  my  words  misstate; 
Together  do  they  watch  my  steps, 

And  for  me  lie  in  wait. 
But  shall  they  by  deceit  prevail? 

In  mercy  on  me  look ! 
Are  not  my  tears  by  thee  preserved, 

And  written  in  thy  book  ? 

My  enemies  turn  back  dismayed, 
AVhen,  Lord,  I  cry  to  thee; 

5 ___ 4 


S3 ® 

96  The  Psalms   iist   Metee. 

God  is  my  friend;  I  will  not  fear; 

What  can  flesh  do  to  me  ? 
Thy  promises  to  me  are  sure, 

And  now  thy  name  I  praise; 
For  thou  hast  me  preserved  from  death, 

And  lengthened  out  my  days. 

PSALM     LVII. 

Our  Safety  is  in  God. 

TO  me  be  merciful,  O  God ; 

Myself  I  on  thy  goodness  cast — 
Eest  in  the  shadow  of  thy  wings, 

Till  life's  calamities  are  past. 
I  call  upon  the  Lord  most  high: 

He  will  from  heaven  salvation  send, 
And  put  to  shame  my  enemies, 

And  me  in  love  and  truth  defend. 

My  foes  are  as  the  beasts  of  prey, 

And  for  my  life  they  lie  in  wait; 
Nay,  they  as  fiends  do  breathe  out  fire, 

Eager  to  bring  me  to  my  fate  ! 
Their  teeth  are    spears,  their   tongues    a 
sword — 

O  God,  protect  me  in  thy  ways ! 
Thy  name  above  the  heavens  exalt ! 

Above  the  earth  thy  ceaseless  praise ! 

5  _  . 


E  — ■ g« 

The    Psalms    in    Meter.  97 

A  net  they  in  my  pathway  spread — 

But  by  it  were  themselves  ensnared : 
A  pit  they  digged  me  to  engulf — 

Their  fate  was  that  for  me  prepared ! 
My  heart  is  strengthened,  0  my  God  ; 

I'll  make  in  song  thy  mercies  known ; 
Awake,  my  soul !     My  harp,  awake  ! 

I  will  awake  with  early  dawn. 

Among  the  nations  thee  I'll  praise ; 

Among  the  kingdoms  joyful  sing; 
Thy  mercy  reaches  to  the  heavens, 

Thy  truth,  the  clouds,  eternal  King  ! 
Thy  name  above  the  heavens  exalt ! 

Above  the  earth  thy  ceaseless  praise ! 
Then  will  I  put  in  thee  my  trust 

And  ever  walk  in  wisdom's  ways. 

PSALM    LVIII. 

An  Invective  against  the  Wicked. 

JUDGE  ye  uprightly,  mighty  ones? 

Deal  justice  with  an  even  hand? 
Nay,  ye  iniquity  devise, 

And  weigh  out  violence  in  the  land. 

The  wicked  are  from  birth  estranged ; 
Sin's  deadly  poison  in  them  reigns; 

13 


98  The   Psalms   in   Meter. 

They,  like  deaf  adders,  will  not  hear 
Truth's  holy  and  enchanting  strains. 

Break  thou  their  teeth,  O  righteous  Lord ! 

May  they  as  water  waste  away ; 
Defeat  their  aims;  and  may  their  schemes, 

Abortive,  never  see  the  day ! 

The  sudden  whirlwind  on  them  bring ! 


Then  shall  all  they  who  in  thee  trust, 
?clare,  "Reward  is  for  the  good — 
The  Judge  of  all  the  earth  is  just." 


PSALM    L  I  X. 

God  Trusted  in  Banger. 

DEFEND  me  from  my  foes,  O  God ; 
And  save  me  from  the  men  of  blood, 
Who  unprovoked  against  me  rise, 
And  mischief  in  their  hearts  devise. 
To  judge  the  nations,  Lord,  awake ! 
And  to  thee  power  and  vengeance  take. 
Let  mercy  not  by  them  be  found, 
Who  lie  in  siege  the  city  round. 
Their  mouths  belch  forth  malicious  words, 
Which  on  their  lips  are  piercing  swords ! 
They  boasting  say,  "  Who  will  us  hear, 
Whom  we  have  any  cause  to  fear ! " 
j g 


The   Psalms   in   Meter.  99 

But  thou  their  words  need'st  not  be  told ; 
Thou  dost  theui  in  derision  hold. 
On  thee,  ray  Strength,  my  hope  is  stayed; 
Grant  me  in  mercy  now  thine  aid. 

Lest  we  forget,  do  not  them  slay, 
But  by  thy  power  drive  them  away; 
Come  thou  upon  them  in  their  pride, 
Whose  sinful  lips  have  cursed  and  lied : 
Consume  them  till  there  none  remains. 
That  we  may  know  Jehovah  reigns. 
Or  let  them,  quite  cut  off  from  good, 
Howl  in  their  fruitless  search  for  food ; 
While  saved  by  thee,  Eternal  King, 
I  of  thy  power  and  mercy  sing. 
Thou  art  my  refuge  in  distress; 
Thou  dost  me  with  thy  favor  bless. 
On  thee,  my  Strength,  my  hope  is  stayed; 
Grant  me  in  mercy  now  thine  aid. 

PSALM    LX. 

Prayer  in  National  Distress. 

O  GOD,  thou  hast  forsaken  us, 

And  in  thy  wrath  cast  down ; 
Our  land  is  by  its  troubles  rent, 

And  trembles  'neath  thy  frown. 

, __ § 


100         The   Psalms   in    Metee. 

Wilt  thou  not  us  revive  again? 

Our  land's  sad  breaches  heal  ? 
For  thou  hast  made  us  see  distress — 

With  wine  of  wrath  to  reel. 

For  thy  truth's  sake  a  banner  give 

Which  over  us  shall  wave ; 
That  we  may  from  our  foes  escape, 

Extend  thy  hand  to  save. 

Thy  promises  rejoice  my  heart ; 

On  them  my  hope  I  stay; 
The  tribes  around  shall  to  me  yield, 

And  own  my  rightful  sway. 

Who  will  me  lead  against  my  foes? 

Bring  to  the  city  strong? 
Wilt  thou  not,  who  didst  us  forsake, 

For  deeds  unjust  and  wrong? 

O  aid  thou  us  in  our  distress, 

For  help  of  man  is  vain  ! 
Through  thee  we  shall  do  valiantly, 

And  soon  the  vict'ry  gain. 

PSAL  M    LXI. 

The  Exile's  Return. 

O  GOD,  great  in  mercy,  attend  to  my  prayer, 
For  now  from  afar  unto  thee  do  I  cry ; 


The   Psalms    in   Me  tee.         101 

In  sorrow  of  heart,  overwhelmed  by  despair, 
Lead  rue  to  the  Rock  that  is  higher  than  I. 

From  the  Eden  of  innocence  far  gone  astray, 
In  exile  I  wander  in  want  and  distress; 

Bnt  now  to  my  Refuge  I  speed  me  away — 
Christ  waits  to  receive  me,  to  comfort  and 
bless. 

My  foe  rises  np,  and  me  fiercely  assails, 

Lest  I. should  in  Christ  find  protection  and 
rest; 
But  grace  in  my  rescue  and  safety  prevails; 
I  now  with  the   Lord  for  my  portion  am 
blest. 

Henceforth  will  I  seek  the  fair  temple  above ; 

I  journey  my  Lord  and  Redeemer  to  see; 
While  o'er  me  extends  the  broad  wings  of  his 
love, 

To  guard  me  until  I  from  danger  am  free. 

For  ever  my  life  there  my  Lord  will  prolong, 
That  with  him  enthroned  evermore  I  may 
reign, 
To  sing  all  enraptured  redemption's  sweet  song, 
Now  free  from  temptation,  and  sorrow,  and 
pain. 


35 

102         The   Psalms   in   Me  tee. 
PSALM    LXII. 

Christ  our  Refuge. 

HOW  long  will  foes  assault  me, 
And  think  to  cast  me  down? 

While  Satan  speaks  of  blessing, 
He  doth  upon  me  frown. 

On  Christ  my  soul  reposes, 
He  will  salvation  give; 

He  is  the  Rock  of  Refuge ; 
In  him  I  hope  to  live. 

Christ  is  my  help  and  glory, 

My  Rock  for  ever  strong; 
O  trust  him,  all  ye  people, 

And  to  your  Refuge  throng. 

On  Christ  my  soul,  etc. 

Place  all  men  in  the  balance, 

And  thus  their  merit  try; 
It  in  the  meek  is  nothing, 

And  in  the  proud  a  lie. 

On  Christ  my  soul,  etc. 

Trust  not  in  your  possessions, 
Nor  merit  seek  to  gain ; 


B— ■ s 

The   Psalms   in   Metee.  103 

If  good  works  are  your  riches, 
Let  not  your  heart  be  vain. 

On  Christ  my  soul,  etc. 

To  Christ  belongs  all  power 

To  judge  or  pardon  sin ; 
And  he  at  last  will  render 

Each  as  his  work  has  been. 

On  Christ  my  soul,  etc. 
PSALM    LXIII. 

Fervent  Aspirations  after  God. 

MY  soul  now  thirsts,  O  God,  for  thee; 

While  in  a  world  of  doubt  and  shade, 
I  would  thy  power  and  glory  see, 

As  they  are  in  thy  house  displayed. 

Thy  love  is  better  far  than  life; 

It  my  most  fervent  praise  demands; 
And  joyful  'mid  this  state  of  strife, 

I  in  thy  name  lift  up  my  hands. 

Yea,  the  rich  bounties  of  thy  grace 
My  longing  soul  shall  satisfy : 

Then  from  my  lips  unceasing  praise, 
Like  incense,  shall  ascend  on  high. 


— • — sj 

104         The   Psalms   iist   Metee. 

I  call  to  mind,  in  night's  lone  hour, 
Thy  countless  mercies  in  the  past ; 

And  then  for  safety  trust  thy  power, 
And  all  my  cares  upon  thee  cast. 

Fain  in  the  shadow  of  thy  wings 
Now  find  I  safety  and  repose; 

And  while  to  thee  my  spirit  clings, 
Thou  wilt  not  yield  me  to  my  foes. 

Me  for  my  piety  they  hate, 

And  even  would  destroy  my  soul ; 

But  they  shall  meet  a  wretched  fate — 
Soon  death  o'er  them  shall  have  control. 

But  I  will  still  rejoice  in  thee, 

With  them  who  on  thy  name  rely ; 

While  error  from  the  land  shall  flee, 
And  truth  stand  guarded  from  on  high. 

PSALM    LXIV. 

Prayer  for  Protection. 

HEAR  me,  O  Lord,  now  while  I  pray ! 

Save  from  the  cruel  foe; 
Hide  me  secure  from  wicked  men, 

Who  brawling  round  me  go. 
Their  tongues  they  make  like  piercing  swords ; 
Like  arrows  shoot  their  poisoned  words. 
% 


3 

The   Psalms   in   Metee,         105 

Iu  secret  they  shoot  at  the  just ; 

Them  to  destroy  agree; 
They  cautiously  arrange  their  snares, 

And  say,  "Who  can  them  see?" 
They  their  intentions  closely  keep; 
Each  heart  is  an  unfathomed  deep. 

God  will  an  arrow  at  them  shoot — 

Inflict  a  sudden  wound; 
And  their  own  tongues  shall  them  betray — 

Soon  they  shall  not  be  found. 
The  wicked  then  in  awe  shall  stand; 
The  righteous  triumph  in  the  land. 

PSALM    LXV. 

The  God  of  Grace  and  Nature  Praised. 

PRAISE  waits  in  Zion,  Lord,  for  thee; 

Thy  saints  draw  near  their  vows  to  pay; 
And  all,  ere  long,  shall  bow  the  knee 

To  Him  who  hears  us  when  we  pray. 

Thy  holy  laws  have  we  transgressed, 
But  thou  our  sins  wilt  purge  away; 

And  he  is  more  than  others  blessed, 
Who  in  thy  temple  spends  this  day. 

For  here  shall  we  be  satisfied 

With  bounties  rich  of  saving  grace ; 

14 
®- 


a 

106        The    Psalms    in    Metee. 

And  no  good  thing  shall  be  denied 
Him  who  devoutly  seeks  thy  face. 

Thy  righteous  judgments  thou  dost  send 

In  answer  to  believing  prayer; 
Hence  on  thee  now  mankind  attend, 

And  place  their  confidence  and  care. 

The  mountains  by  thy  power  stand  fast, 
The  sea's  loud  roar  is  stilled  by  thee; 

The  tumults  of  the  people  last 
No  longer  than  thou  dost  decree ! 

Before  thee  all  the  nations  stand, 

And  trembling  view  thy  righteous  ways ; 

While  morn  and  eve,  through  every  land, 
Rejoicing,  sing  thy  worthy  praise. 

The  earth  thou  visitest  with  rain, 

Thus  making  soft  the  farrowed  fields; 

Thou  blessest,  too,  the  shooting  grain, 
So  that  the  ground  abundance  yields. 

Thy  goodness  crowns  the  passing  year, 
The  little  hills  are  joyous  things, 

The  valleys  all  rich  clothing  wear, 
And  nature  in  thy  presence  sings. 

j ® 


, 3 

The  Psalms  in  Metek.    107 

PSALM  LXVI. 

PAET   I. 
A  National  Hymn  of  Praise. 

YE  lands,  adore  the  name  of  God ! 

Make  glorious  his  praise; 
To  honor  him,  proclaim  aloud, 

"  How  wonderful  his  ways  !  " 

Thy  foes  thou,  by  thy  mighty  power, 

Dost  to  submission  brine  • 
Hence  all  the  world  should  thee  adore, 

And  to  thee  joyful  sing. 

Great  works  God  'mid  the  nations  wrought, 

The  sea  turned  to  dry  land ; 
And  led  his  people  through  the  deep, 

By  his  almighty  hand. 

God  reigns  for  ever  on  the  earth ; 

Toward  him,  ye  nations,  gaze; 
Do  not  yourselves  o'er  him  exalt, 

Nor  weak  rebellion  raise. 

But,  yielding  to  his  sov'reign  sway, 

Proclaim  aloud  his  praise; 
For  he  it  is  preserves  your  lives, 

And  guides  you  in  his  ways. 

i _ — . ^£ 


108        The    Psalms    in    Me  tee. 

Though  us  he  as  the  silver  tried, 

And  sorrows  on  us  laid, 
He  us  delivered  by  his  power, 

And  strong  and  wealthy  made. 

PAET   II. 

Religious  Experience  Told. 

I  TO  thy  house,  O  God,  will  come, 

And  my  vows  to  thee  pay, 
Which  solemnly  my  lips  pronounced 

In  trouble's  gloomy  day. 

Come  now,  all  ye  who  fear  the  Lord, 

And  hearken  every  one, 
While  in  your  presence  I  relate 

What  God  for  me  has  done. 

I  called  upon  him  in  distress, 

And  he  received  my  prayer; 
My  sins  forgave,  made  glad  my  heart — 

I  felt  no  burden  there. 

And  now  his  praise  is  on  my  tongue, 

His  Spirit  in  my  heart ;  • 
And  I  would  not,  for  sinful  joys, 

From  Christ,  my  Lord,  depart. 

8 


til 

The    Psalms    in    Me  tee.         109 

Thus  surely  God  inclined  his  ear, 
And  heard  my  plaintive  voice; 

Blessed  be  the  Saviour's  precious  name ! 
I  in  his  love  rejoice. 

PSALM    LXVIL 

A  Hymn  of  Praise. 

TO  us,  O  Lord,  incline, 

And  us  thy  people  own ; 
O  cause  on  us  thy  face  to  shine, 

And  make  thy  glory  known ! 

Thine  is  the  power  to  save; 

By  thee  the  nations  live; 
At  first  thou  their  existence  gave, 

Now  their  glad  praise  receive. 

O'er  kingdoms  thou  dost  reign; 

Their  fate  thy  scepter  sways; 
May  they  thy  subjects  e'er  remain, 

And  thee  devoutly  praise. 

Beneath  thy  fruitful  smile 
The  earth  its  increase  yields; 

And  great  is  our  rejoicing,  while 
Thou  blessest  all  our  fields. 

@ : 


110        The    Psalms    in   Metee. 

Grant  us  thy  blessing  still; 

Our  praise  be  pleased  to  hear; 
Thy  purposes  on  earth  fulfill, 

And  keep  us  in  thy  fear. 

PSALM    LXVIII. 

The  God  of  Israel  with  his  People. 

LET  God  in  majesty  arise! 

His  foes  disperse  before  his  eyes. 

As  melts  the  wax  before  the  fire, 

Before  him  the  unjust  expire; 

While  all  the  righteous  raise  their  voice, 

And  in  his  presence  fain  rejoice. 

!STow  sing  to  him  your  joyous  lay, 
And  through  the  desert  make  your  way; 
For,  lo !  he  rides  in  glory  forth, 
The  God  and  Ruler  of  the  earth, 
The  Father  of  the  fatherless, 
The  widow's  Friend  in  her  distress. 
Forsaken  ones  before  him  stand, 
And  dwell  in  houses  in  the  land; 
He  comes  to  liberate  the  bound, 
And  for  them  scatter  blessings  round; 
But  the  rebellious  to  disperse 
With  leanness  and  affliction  curse ! 
& & 


31 

The    Psalms   in   Metee.         Ill 

O  God,  thou  diclst  thy  saints  defend, 
And  through  the  wilderness  attend. 
Before  thy  presence  quaked  the  earth ; 
The  heavens  poured  their  bounties  forth; 
Bold  Sinai  thy  voice  did  hear, 
And  trembled  with  excessive  fear. 
Thy  people  strength  from  thee  received, 
When,  worn  with  toil,  afflicted,  grieved, 
They  by  the  guidance  of  thy  hand 
Themselves  established  in  the  land, 
Which  thou  diclst  to  the  needy  .give 
That  there  they  might  securely  live; 
And  made  them  triumph  o'er  the  strong, 
When  virgin  minstrels  sang  this  song: 
"  The  kings  and  armies  far  have  fled ; 
Our  matrons  on  their  riches  fed; 
And  now  securely  they  repose, 
Unterrified  by  cruel  foes; 
Richly  attired,  fair  to  behold, 
Like  wings  of  doves,  o'erspread  with  gold. 
When  God  reached  forth  his  vengeful  hand, 
With  bones  was  whitened  all  the  land." 

And  now  ye  hills  of  Bashan,  why 
With  Zion  proudly  think  to  vie? 
Why  in  your  pride  do  ye  look  down 
On  that  God  doth  with  glory  crown? 

_8 


® —55 

112        The    Psalms    in    Metee. 

Where  he,  while  all  his  saints  adore, 

Resides,  and  will  for  evermore? 

His  chariots  on  him  attend; 

And  myriads  from  heaven  descend 

To  Zion's  holy,  sacred  place, 

Where  he  bestows  his  gifts  of  grace ; 

As  when  on  Sinai  he  came, 

And  made  its  lofty  summit  flame. 

God  has  gone  up  to  Zion's  hill, 

His  purposes  there  to  fulfill; 

He  has  the  vanquished  captive  led, 

And  gifts  received,  and  conquests  made. 

'Mid  the  rebellious  he  will  dwell, 

And  guard  his  chosen  people  well. 

The  Lord  be  praised  by  us  each  day, 

Who  takes  our  burdens  all  away: 

He  ever  present  is  to  save 

From  sudden  death — the  yawning  grave; 

While  in  his  wrath  he  smites  the  head 

Of  those  a  wicked  life  have  led : 

And  says,  "I  will  hurl  back  the  foes 

Who  rise  my  people  to  oppose. 

Red  shall  thy  foot  be  where  they  stood — 

Even  thy  dogs  shall  drink  their  blood ! " 

We  saw  the  grand  procession  move 
To  Zion's  hill,  which  thou  dost  love. 
$ 


8- — — ® 

The   Psalms   in   Meter.         113 

Before  went  forth  the  singers  fain, 
The  minstrels  followed  in  the  train; 
While  in  the  midst,  richly  arrayed, 
The  damsels  on  their  timbrels  played. 
They  who  from  Israel's  fountain  came, 
Praise  offer  to  Jehovah's  name; 
From  Benjamin's  to  Judah's  band, 
They  come  on  Zion's  hill  to  stand. 

For  Israel  God  strength  ordained ; 
He  has  his  peojDle's  rights  maintained. 
O  Lord,  kings  shall,  thy  house  to  see, 
Come,  and  rich  presents  bring  to  thee. 
Kebuke  the  brutish  men  of  war ; 
The  heathen  whom  thou  dost  abhor; 
Let  them  to  thee  their  silver  bring, 
And  own  thou  art  th'  Almighty  King. 
Ye  kingdoms,  sing  Jehovah's  praise ! 
He  glorious  is  in  all  his  ways; 
Upon  the  ancient  heavens  he  rides, 
His  voice  the  cloudy  sky  divides; 
It  rolls  in  majesty  along — 
He  is  the  Lord  for  ever  strong; 
Strength  from  his  sanctuary  sends, 
His  people  faithfully  defends; 
He  them  endows  with  strength  and  power ; 
Praise  ye  the  Lord  for  evermore ! 

15 


114         The   Psalms   in   Meter. 


PSALM    LXIX. 

PART   I. 

Persecution  of  the  Righteous. 

THE  waves  of  sorrow  o'er  me  flow, 

Into  my  life  the  waters  press ; 
I  sink  down  deep  into  the  mire; 

O  save  me,  Lord,  in  my  distress ! 
Mine  eyes  are  wasted  by  my  grief, 

I'm  faint  while  I  thy  help  implore; 
For  without  cause  men  are  my  foes; 

What  I  took  not  I  must  restore ! 

But  thou  dost  my  offenses  know  ; 

O  let  not  them  be  put  to  shame, 
Who  through  me  thy  salvation  sought, 

And  trusted  in  thy  holy  name ! 
I  for  thy  sake  endure  reproach; 

Estranged  become  my  nearest  friends; 
Zeal  for  thy  house  has  me  consumed; 

Thy  foes  my  righteousness  offends. 

When  I  wear  sackcloth,  weep  and  fast, 
Reproach  attends  me  all  day  long; 

The  beggars  at  the  gates  revile,. 

And  driv'ling  sots  make  me  their  song. 

i _ _ _^ 


& , h 

The    Psalms    in    Metee.        115 

Yet,  Lord,  I  prayer  address  to  thee ; 

Accept  my  offerings  in  love; 
Me  graciously  thy  help  afford, 

And  from  the  waves  and  mire  remove. 

paet  n. 

God  our  Support  in  Persecution. 

HEAR  me,  O  Lord,  in  thy  great  love ; 

Thy  face  no  longer  from  me  hide; 
Draw  me  to  thee  from  my  distress, 

That  I  securely  may  abide. 
Thou  knowest  my  unjust  reproach, 

Which  breaks  my  heart,  and  makes  me 
moan; 
Here  no  true  comforters  I  find; 

I  look  for  pity ;  there  is  none ! 

To  me  for  food  they  offer  gall; 

They  vinegar  give  in  my  thirst ; 
To  them  their  tables  make  a  snare; 

Let  them  be  in  thy  justice  cursed : 
For  whom  thou  smitest  they  deride, 

And  find  strange  pleasure  in  their  pain; 
Add  to  them  punishment  of  sin, 

Nor  let  them  with  the  just  remain. 

But  from  the  deep  set  me  on  high; 
My  praise  then  for  thy  saving  aid 

5 : 8 


®- s 

116         The    Psalms    in    Meter. 

Shall  to  thee  far  more  grateful  be 
Than  beasts  upon  thine  altar  laid. 

This  seen,  the  sorrowing  shall  rejoice ; 
Let  heaven  and  earth  thy  glories  tell ; 

Save  Zion,  and  our  cities  build ; 

May  those  who  love  thee  in  them  dwell. 

PSALM     L  X  X. 

Prayer  in  Temptation. 

HASTE,  O  God,  my  sonl  to  save, 
Lest  I  sink  below  the  grave; 
Hast  thou  not  atonement  made  ? 
Quickly  come  unto  mine  aid. 

May  my  constant,  subtile  foe, 
Who  would  me  involve  in  woe, 
And  my  very  life  devour, 
Be  defeated  by  thy  power. 

Be  the  tempter  driven  back, 
As  he  comes  me  to  attack ; 
But  may  all  the  saints  rejoice — 
In  thy  praise  employ  their  voice. 

Though  I  am  a  sufTrer  here, 
To  my  cry  God  turns  his  ear  ; 
Come,  my  Saviour,  now,  I  pray ; 
Me  to  bless  make  no  delay. 


The   Psalms   in   Meter.         117 


PSALM     LXXI. 

Prayer  for  Assistance  in  Old  Age. 

LORD,  I  put  my  trust  in  thee, 

Divert  the  ills  I  fear ; 
In  thy  goodness  rescue  me 

From  every  danger  near. 
Hearken  to  my  earnest  prayer; 

Be  thou  the  Rock  of  my  abode; 
For  I  make  my  refuge  there — 

I  trust  in. thee,  my  God. 

Thou  hast  blessed  me  in  the  past, 

And  still  thou  art  my  hope ; 
Shall  the  hand  of  the  unjust 

Be  proudly  lifted  up  ? 
O,  my  Saviour,  rescue  me ! 

To  thee  I  rightfully  belong; 
From  my  youth  I  trusted  thee, 

And  thou  hast  been  my  song. 

Many  wonder  that  I  stand 

Securely  in  distress; 
But  my  refuge  is  thy  hand, 

Strong  both  to  save  and  bless. 
Thou  my  mouth  hast  filled  with  praise; 

Cast  me  not  off  when  I  am  old; 

H 


8 

118         The   Psalms   in   Metee. 

But  protect  me  all  iny  days, 
And  in  thine  arms  enfold. 

Enemies  arise  who  say, 

"  God  now  is  not  his  friend ; 
We  will  him  pursue  and  slay; 

For  none  will  him  defend  ! " 
But  be  thou  not  far  from  me ; 

My  confidence  is  thy  great  name; 
Let  them  all  dishonored  be, 

And  clothed  in  lasting  shame. 

Hope,  which  gives  strength  to  the  weak, 

I  joyfully  possess ; 
And  will  of  thy  goodness  speak — 

Thy  mercies  numberless. 
Making  known  thy  works  and  truth, 

Thus  far  have  I  pursued  my  way; 
Thou  hast  taught  me  from  my  youth ; 

When  old,  cast  not  away. 

I  would  still  proclaim  thy  power, 

For  who  is  like  to  thee  ? 
Thou  didst  send  a  troubled  hour, 

That  we  our  sins  might  see: 
But  thou  wilt  us  bless  again, 

I  shall  with  harp  thy  mercies  sing; 
Thou  wilt  still  my  friend  remain — 

My  foes  to  shame  wilt  bring. 

a : 


® g) 

The    Psalms    in    Meter.        119 
PSALM    LXXII. 

The  Triumphant  Reign  of  Christ 

JESUS,  immortal  King,  to  thee 
Justice  and  righteousness  belong; 

Thou  governest  in  equity, 

Opposed  to  violence  and  wrong. 

The  mountains  of  thy  guarding  power, 
Give  to  thy  j>eople  constant  peace; 

For  them,  while  sun  and  moon  endure, 
Thy  watchful  care  shall  never  cease. 

Like  gentle  showers  upon  the  earth, 
Thy  fruitful  grace  on  them  descends; 

And  as  they  in  thy  ways  go  forth, 
It  them  along  their  course  attends. 

Thy  kingdom  is  from  sea  to  sea; 

Upon  the  earth  it  has  no  bounds; 
Before  thee  all  shall  bow  the  knee — 

Success  thy  every  effort  crowns. 

Yea,  kings  themselves  before  thee  fall, 

And  princes  thee  delight  to  serve; 
The  poor  thou  hearest  when  they  call; 
The  weak  thou  dost  divinely  nerve, 
\ g 


jgj — 

120        The    Psalms    in    Me  tee. 

The  artless  guardest  from  deceit, 
From  violence  the  friendless  one: 

Their  gold  all  lands  cast  at  thy  feet; 
By  thee  amazing  works  are  done. 

Thee  ceaseless  prayer  the  saints  address, 
And  joyful  smg  thy  worthy  praise ; 

Abundant  grace  do  they  possess, 

And  flourish  hence  in  wisdom's  ways. 

Thy  kingdom  evermore  shall  stand, 
Long  as  the  sun  thy  name  endure ; 

Thou  shalt  be  praised  in  every  land; 
Thy  saints  are  in  thy  grace  secure. 

Doxology. 
Praised  be  the  God  of  Israel, 

He  wond'rous  works  for  us  has  done ; 
Praise  ye  his  name,  his  glories  tell — 

The  great,  eternal,  triune  One! 


Bh 


3 

The  Psalms    in   Meter.         121 


BOOK    III. 


PSALM    LXXIII. 

PART   I. 

The  Portion  of  the  Wicked  in  this  Life. 

GOD  to  the  pure  in  heart  is  good, 
Yet  I  almost  renounced  his  law ; 

For  I  was  envious  of  the  proud, 
When  their  prosperity  I  saw. 

Even  in  death  they  offc  escape 

The  pains  which  other  men  endure ; 

While  blessings,  numberless  and  free, 
Through  life  their  happiness  insure. 

Hence  pride  they  as  a  collar  wear, 
And  clothe  themselves  in  violence; 

Around  they  impudently  stare, 
And  boldly  tell  their  vile  intents. 

Their  words  are  haughty  through  conceit, 
While  they  oppression  vindicate; 

Their  mouth  against  the  heavens  they  set, 
And  through  the  earth  they  proudly  prate : 

16 

8 & 


122        The    Psalms    in    Meter. 

"How   doth   God   know  our  thoughts  and 
ways? 
With     the     Most     High     is     knowledge 
found?" 
Behold  these  are  ungodly  men, 

Who  on  the  earth  in  wealth  abound. 

I  verily  have  cleansed  my  heart, 

And   washed    from    guilt    my  hands,    in 
vain ; 

For  all  day  long  have  I  been  plagued, 
And  every  morning  scourged  with  pain. 

Should  I  the  wicked  imitate, 

I  would  God's  people  thus  betray; 

But  these  thoughts  tended  to  perplex; 
My  mind  was  pained  by  this  survey. 

Then  to  God's  temple  I  repaired, 

And  there  foresaw  then  coining  fate; 

Ah,  they  in  slippery  places  stand, 
And  fearful  judgments  them  await ! 

They  in  a  moment  are  cast  down, 
And  by  consuming  woes  surprised; 

As  is  a  dream  when  one  awakes, 

Their  vain  show  is  by  God  despised. 

5 — — s 


The    PsJLlms   ix   Metep,         123 


part  n. 

God  the  Christian's  Portion. 

WHEX  vexed  by  the  prosperity 
On  earth  by  wicked  men  enjoyed, 

0  Lord,  the  truth  I  did  not  see, 
But  stupidly  myself  annoyed. 

1  now  know  thou  art  by  my  side, 
And  dost  not  me  a  moment  leave ; 

Thou  wilt  through  life  unerring  guide, 
And  then  to  glory  me  receive. 

0,  whom  in  heaven  have  I  but  thee? 

Or  whom  on  earth  so  much  desire? 
Though  my  heart  fail,  and  comforts  flee, 

"With  strength  thou  wilt  my  heart  inspire. 

Thou  ever  wilt  my  portion  be, 

And  give  me  endless  j)eace  and  joy; 

But  all  who  are  estranged  from  thee, 
Thou  wilt  for  evermore  destroy. 

And  now  with  profit  I  draw  near 
To  thee,  O  Lord,  in  earnest  prayer; 

Yea,  I  have  learned  to  trust  thee  here, 
And  would  to  all  thy  works  declare. 
B i 


8 ® 

124  TnE   Psalms   in   Meter. 


PSALM    LXXIV. 

Prayer  for  the  Church  in  Persecution. 

WHY,  O  our  God,  us  forever  abandon? 

Why  in  thine  anger  thy  people  consume? 
Us  thou  didst  purchase  to  be  thy  possession ; 

Think  of  us  kindly,  thy  mercy  resume. 

Haste  thou  thy  coming  to  our  desolations, 
Visit   Mount  Zion,  where  once   thou  didst 
dwell ; 
Foes  have  abused  every  thing  in  thy  temple ; 
Where   once  we   met,  now  their   triumphs 
they  tell. 

Here  they  their  symbols  for  signs  have  erected, 
Broken  its  altars,  its  beauty  defaced  ; 

Fire  have  they  cast  into  thy  habitation, 
By  wicked  rites  it  profaned  and  disgraced. 

Yea,  they  have  burned  all  our  houses  of  wor- 
ship, 

Left  us  no  signs  still  our  hearts  to  assure ; 
While  in  the  land  there  is  nowhere  a  prophet, 

Telling  how  long  we  these  woes  shall  endure. 

How  long,    O  God?   for  thine  eye  scans  the 
future ; 
Ever  shall  foes  thus  blasjxheme  and  annoy? 

5 j 


The   Psalms   ix   Meter.  125 


Why   thou   thy   right   hand   from   them    still 

withdrawest  % 
Take  from  thy  bosom,  and  bid  it  destroy. 

Thou,  as  our  King,  didst  of  old  work  salvation ; 

Naught  from  thy  power  was  able  to  fly; 
Rocks  in  thy  presence  poured  forth  streams  of 
water, 

While  mighty  rivers  themselves  became  dry. 

Both  day  and  night  hast  thou  at  thy  disposal; 

Thou  didst  the  sun's  light  and  glory  decree ; 
Earth  thou  established  in  all  its  extension; 

Summer  and  winter  were  ordered  by  thee. 

But  in  the  land  are  the  vile  and  ungodly; 

By  them  Jehovah  is  mocked  and  reviled; 
O  Lord,  remember  in  mercy  thy  people; 

Thy  turtle-dove  save  from  the  wicked  and 
wild. 

Think  of  thy  covenant  in  our  affliction, 

Then  shall  thy  people  again  praise  thy  name : 
And  although  cruelty  has  its  dark  places, 
They  who  trust  thee  shall  be  strangers  to 
shame. 
$ 


®— 

126         The    Psalms    in    Meter. 

Daily  the  impious,  O  Lord,  revile  thee; 
Daily  they  murmur  against  thy  just  laws ; 

Hear  how  the  noise  of  their  clamor  increases- 
Rise  !  and  in  majesty  maintain  thy  cause. 

PSALM    LXXY. 

God  Reigns  over  the  Nations. 

NEAE  is  thy  name,  O  God; 

Our  thanks  to  thee  we  give ; 
We  will  thy  wondrous  works  declare, 

And  these  thy  words  receive: 
"  I  judge  in  equity, 

As  things  to  me  unfold; 
And  while  commotion  fills  the  world, 

Its  pillars  I  uphold." 

Lord,  I  the  vile  rebuke; 

The  proud  I  bid  be  meek, 
Nor  boldly  stand  with  lofty  head, 

Nor  confidently  speak. 
Promotion  is  from  God, 

Vain  is  ambitious  hope, 
For  he  from  power  puts  down  one, 

And  sets  another  up. 

The  cup  of  wrath  he  holds, 
(Whate'er  they  do  or  think) 
©. — 


8 8 

The    Psalms    ix    Metee.        127 

Is  for  the  wicked ;  and  its  dregs 
They  in  their  time  shall  drink. 

Hence  I  will  him  extoll, 

Who  says,  while  him  I  praise: 

"I  will  the  wicked  thrust  from  power, 
To  power  the  righteous  raise ! " 


PSALM    LXXVL 

Thanksgiving  for  Victory. 

GEEAT  is  the  name  of  Israel's  God, 
In  Judah  published  all  abroad. 
Mount  Zion  is  his  dwelling  place, 
Whence,  in  the  fullness  of  his  grace, 
He  broke  the  lightning  of  the  bow — 
All  weapons  which  in  war  we  know. 
More  glorious  thou  in  Zion's  hill, 
Than  mountains  daring  robbers  fill. 
The  mighty  were  hurled  to  the  ground ; 
They  sank  into  their  sleep  profound. 
Horsemen  and  chariots  fell  before 
Thy  dread  rebuke,  to  rise  no  more. 
O  God,  when  thou  dost  judge  the  land, 
Who  can  before  thine  answer  stand  ? 
Thou  judgment  didst  from  heaven  reveal, 
While  the  earth  trembled  and  was  still; 


$ __ai 

128         The   Psalms   in   Meter. 

Appearing  in  thy  majesty, 
To  set  th'  oppressed  and  captives  free. 
Man  wrath  God  makes  proclaim. his  praise, 
And  the  remaining  wrath  allays. 
Hence  pay  yonr  vows  to  God,  our  King, 
And  to  him  gifts  and  off  rings  bring. 
He  hurls  down  princes  from  the  throne, 
And  reigns  o'er  all  suj^reme  alone. 


PSALM    LXXVII. 

PART   I. 

Grief  for  the  State  of  the  Church. 

I  CALL  on  thee,  O  God,  for  help 

In  trouble's  gloomy  day; 
And  in  the  night  my  hands  lift  up — 

From  comfort  turn  away. 

I  think  of  thee  in  my  distress ; 

All  night  my  vigils  last; 
I  am  so  grieved  I  cannot  speak 

When  I  think  of  the  past. 

I  call  to  mind  my  songs  at  night, 
When  we  were  greatly  blessed; 

Then,  glancing  o'er  our  present  state, 
My  sjnrit  cannot  rest. 

5 g- 


c> 


The   Psalms   in   Meter.         129 

Will  God  be  angry  evermore, 
And  leave  us  thus  destroyed? 

Is  mercy  utterly  withdrawn  ? 
And  is  his  promise  void? 

Has  God  forgotten  to  be  good? 

Us  banished  from  his  mind  ? 
Or  is  it  mine  infirmity, 

A  change  in  God  to  find? 

I  will  remember  all  thy  works, 
Which  show  how  just  thou  art ; 

And  talk  about  what  thou  hast  done, 
To  reassure  my  heart. 

PART   H. 

The  Deliverance  of  the  Israelites. 

THY  ways  are  holy,  O  my  God, 

None  other  is  like  thee ; 
Thou  wond'rous  works  for  us  hast  done, 

That  men  thy  power  may  see. 

With  strong  arm  thou  didst  us  redeem 
When  dangers  gathered  near ; 

The  waters  saw  thee  in  thy  might, 
And  were  impressed  with  fear. 

Yea,  trembling  seized  the  mighty  deep, 
While  loud  the  skies  resound ; 

17 


8 , 5g 

130        The    Psalms    in    Meter. 

The  clouds  abundant  waters  poured; 
Thine  arrows  flew  around. 

Thy  thunders  in  the  Whirlwind  roared  ! 

Abroad  the  lightnings  glared  ! 
The  earth  beneath  thy  footsteps  shook ! 

The  sea  thy  way  prepared ! 

Through  th'  great  waters  was  thy  path ; 

And  by  thy  servant's  hand 
Thou  didst  thy  people  safely  lead, 

And  give  the  promised  land. 

PSALM    LXXVIII. 

Admonitioix  to  keep  God's  Commandments. 

O  PEOPLE,  to  my  words  give  ear, 
And  earnestly  my  teaching  hear. 
•  I  will  speak  words  in  sacred  song 
Which  to  the  distant  past  belong. 
The  works  our  fathers  have  us  told 
We'll  from  our  children  not  withhold ; 
But  carefully  to  them  make  known 
The  wonders  God  for  us  has  done. 
He  gave  this  law  in  Israel, 
That  we  should  our  children  tell, 
And  they  to  theirs,  the  works  of  old. 
Which  then  our  fathers  did  behold  ; 


& 

The    Psalms    in    Meter.         131 

And  that  we  in  his  care  should  trust, 
Obey  his  law,  be  true  and  just ; 
And  not  like  them  from  him  depart, 
And  stubborn  make  our  sinful  heart ; 
And  waver,  and  reject  his  grace, 
Nor  on  him  our  reliance  place. 

Yet  Ephraim's  unstable  tribe 
Did  not  upon  their  hearts  inscribe 
God1s  holy  laws,  but  seemed  to  be 
Like  bowmen  who  in  battle  nee. 
They  by  their  vows  did  not  abide, 
But  from  his  statutes  turned  aside; 
And  from  their  yielding  thoughts  expelled 
The  wonders  which  their  eyes  beheld. 
For  deeds  astounding,  by  his  hand, 
Were  done  in  Egypt's  distant  land: 
He  did  for  them  the  sea  divide, 
And  them  across  in  safety  guide: 
He  led  them  by  a  cloud  by  day, 
And  fire  by  night,  through  all  their  way : 
He  cleft  the  rock  when  they  were  dry, 
And  gave  of  water  a  supply. 
Yet  in  the  desert  they  complained, 
Nor  faithful  to  their  God  remained ; 
With  him  their  heart  they  kept  not  right, 
But  asked  for  food  for  their  delight ; 
8 , & 


132        The    Psalms    in    Me  tee. 

And  in  their  rude  rebellion  said, 
"  Can  here  God  a  rich  table  spread  ? 
He  smote  the  rock,  and  waters  burst 
Thence  to  allay  our  burning  thirst; 
But  is  he  able  to  provide 
Bread,  that  we  all  may  be  supplied  ? " 

These  words  provoked  Jehovah's  ire, 
Which  raged  as  a  devouring  fire. 
Their  faith  not  being  on  him  stayed, 
They  trusted  not  in  him  for  aid ; 
Though  he  had  swept  the  clouds  aside, 
Thrown  the  broad  doors  of  heaven  wide, 
And  rained  down  manna  from  the  sky, 
The  corn  of  heaven — a  rich  supply  ; 
The  food  which  answers  angels  well — 
And  all  ate  of  the  bread  that  fell. 
Then  the  south  wind  he  caused  to  blow, 
And  rained  flesh  on  the  earth  below; 
Yea,  feathered  fowls  he  them  sent  down, 
Which  as  the  sand  o'erspread  the  ground. 
Thus  their  desire  was  not  denied; 
With  flesh  enough  they  were  supplied; 
But  while  their  mouths  were  filled  with  food, 
They  murmured  still  against  their  God: 
When  he,  their  strong  men  striking  down 
Turn'd  on  them  with  indignant  frown. 


g 

The   Psalms    in   Meter         133 

Yet  they  did  not  from  sin  desist, 
Nor  cease  Jehovah  to  resist ; 
Hence  he  them  to  destruction  doomed, 
Their  days  to  be  for  naught  consumed. 

Then  they  appeared  to  turn  to  God, 

Subdued  by  his  chastising  rod ; 

Him  as  their  Bock  in  prayer  addressed, 

And  their  Redeemer  him  confessed. 

But  even  then  they  falsely  spake, 

And  merely  did  pretension  make ; 

For  their  hearts  were  not  yet  content, 

Nor  steadfast  in  his  covenant. 

Yet  them  he  graciously  forgave, 

And  interposed  his  power  to  save; 

He  put  his  anger  all  aside, 

That  they  might  still  on  earth  abide; 

For  them  he  knew,  how  short  they  last, 

A  breath  that  comes  not  back  when  passed. 

How  oft  their  God  they  disobeyed 
While  in  the  wilderness  they  strayed ! 
In  ways  which  one  can  scarcely  tell, 
Provoked  the  God  of  Israel. 
They  thought  not  of  the  mighty  hand 
That  saved  them  from  a  hostile  land; 
What  wonders  God  in  Egypt  wrought, 


And  how  against  their  foes  He  fought. 


si 


S ; f 

134         The   Psalms   in   Metee. 


He  turned  their  rivers  into  blood, 
And  made  unwholesome  all  their  food ; 
He  them  by  swarming  flies  annoyed, 
Sent  frogs  among  them  which  destroyed; 
Their  fruits  to  caterpillars  gave, 
Let  locusts  all  their  labor  have; 
Their  vines  and  cattle  gave  to  hail, 
Let  frosts  their  sycamores  assail ; 
Sent  thunderbolts  their  flocks  to  slay, 
Fierce  indignation,  night  and  day; 
Angels  of  evil,  wrath,  and  woe, 
Till  they  should  let  his  people  go: 
Sent  plague  to  putrefy  their  breath  ; 
He  spared  them  even  not  from  death: 
Till  at  the  last,  with  vengeful  hand, 
He  smote  the  first  born  of  the  land. 

Then  set  he  all  his  people  free, 
And  safely  guided  through  the  sea; 
Them  in  the  dreary  desert  led, 
And  as  they  needed  kindly  fed; 
While  on  their  foes  he  brought  the  waves, 
Made  in  the  sea  their  restless  graves. 
But  them  brought  to  their  land  at  last, 
From  thence  for  them  the  nations  cast ; 
And  gave  each  tribe  its  proper  share, 
That  they  might  dwell  securely  there, 
g £ 


m si 

The    Psalms    in    Meter.        135 

But  even  then  they  tempted  Grocl, 

And  were  not  by  his  presence  awed; 

They  like  their  fathers  him  denied, 

Turned  like  a  treacherous  bow  aside; 

High  places  to  his  courts  preferred, 

His  jealousy  by  idols  stirred, 

Until  his  anger  fiercely  burned, 

And  Israel  he  greatly  spurned; 

So  that  from  Shiloh,  where  on  earth 

He  dwelt  with  men,  he  soon  went  forth  ; 

His  ark  of  strength  gave  to  the  foe, 

A  captive  from  its  place  to  go; 

His  people  to  the  cruel  sword ; 

The  land  to  be  by  fire  devoured; 

While  death  should  their  young  men  assail, 

And  maidens  not  their  fate  bewail ; 

And  priests  should  by  the  sword  be  slain, 

And  still  their  widows  not  complain. 

Yet  from  them  long  God  could  not  keep, 
But  waked  at  last  as  one  from  sleep, 
Or  as  a  hero  who  had  been 
By  wine  o'ercome,  passed  by  their  sin, 
And  hurled  their  foes  back  to  their  place, 
Clothed  in  confusion  and  disgrace. 
Still  he  the  tents  of  Joseph  passed, 
And  Ephraim  behind  him  cast, 

0 


8 

136         The    Psalms   in    Metee. 

And  to  the  tribe  of  Judah  came, 
And  there  made  glorious  his  name  ; 
Erecting  safe  on  Zion's  hill 
The  temple  he  was  pleased  to  fill ; 
And  David  chose,  the  shepherd  youth, 
With  whom  he  found  the  love  of  truth, 
And  from  the  humble  sheepfolds  took, 
To  feed  the  people  of  his  flock. 
And  he  with  singleness  of  heart, 
Did  words  of  truth  to  them  impart ; 
He  guided  them  with  prudent  skill, 
And  duty  taught  them  to  fulfill. 

PSALM     LXXIX. 

A  Hymn  in  Time  of  Great  Persecution. 

O  GOD,  our  foes  thy  holy  place 
Enter,  and  it  pollute,  disgrace ! 
Thy  Zion  they  in  ruins  lay, 
Thy  saints  give  to  the  birds  a  prey ; 
Their  flesh  to  wild  beasts  of  the  earth, 
And  pour  their  blood  as  water  forth : 
And  while  we  thus  are  bruised  and  torn, 
Our  neighbors  look  on  us  with  scorn. 

Lord,  should  thy  jealousy  still  burn  ? 
From  us  thy  righteous  anger  turn  ! 
g 


»- ■ H 

The   Psalms   in   Meter.         137 

But  let  thy  wrath  destructive  fall 
On  them  who  do  not  on  thee  call. 
For  they  are  thy  relentless  foes, 
And  have  on  us  brought  countless  woes: 
Now  for  thy  name's  sake  us  forgive 
And  help  us  in  thy  fear  to  live. 
Why  should  the  foes  around  us  say, 
"  Their  Grod  has  cast  them  quite  away  ! " 
O  Thou  who  art  both  just  and  good, 
Soon  let  th'  avenging  of  our  blood, 
Poured  for  our  faith  upon  the  ground, 
Be  manifest  to  all  around. 

Still  longer  shall  the  pris'ners  sigh  ? 
O  listen  to  their  mournful  cry ! 
According  to  thy  mighty  power, 
Save  from  our  foes'  appointed  hour; 
Give  us  not  yet  to  death  a  prey, 
But  turn  the  threatened  fate  away. 
May  the  reproach  they  cast  on  thee 
Return,  and  their  confusion  be. 
So  shall  thy  people,  all  their  days, 
Thee  for  thy  ceaseless  mercies  praise. 

PSALM    LXXX. 

Israel  compared  to  a   Vine. 

SHEPHEED  of  Israel,  give  ear ; 
Thou  leader  of  thy  people,  hear ; 

18 


& 

138        The   Psalms   in    Metee. 

Between  the  cherubim  shine  forth ; 
With  brighter  rays  illume  the  earth; 
With  power  omnipotent  begirt, 
Before  the  saints  thy  strength  exert ; 
Light  of  thy  countenance  reveal, 
Nor  turn  from  our  devout  appeal. 
Thou  hast  us  given  bread  of  tears ; 
Exposed  us  to  our  neighbors'  jeers ; 
Do  not  from  us  thyself  conceal, 
Light  of  thy  countenance  reveal. 

Thou  didst  a  vine  from  Egypt  bring, 
O'er  it  thy  kind  protection  fling, 
For  it  a  fruitful  place  prepare, 
And  plant  it  then  securely  there, 
And  reaching  forth  on  every  hand, 
Its  roots  ran  out  and  filled  the  land; 
Its  branches  o'er  the  cedars  spread; 
It  o'er  the  mountain  cast  its  shade ; 
Its  boughs  sent  out  far  to  the  sea, 
And  to  the  river,  glad  and  free. 
Why  hast  thou  turned  on  it  thy  frown, 
And  all  its  hedges  broken  down? 
That  all  who  pass  on  it  should  feast, 
Exposed  to  every  hungry  beast ! 
O  God  of  hosts,  we  thee  beseech ; 
Thine  ear  may  our  petition  reach ; 
* . £ 


gj 3 

The    Psalms    ih    Meter.         139 

Look  down  from  heaven,  to  us  incline, 
O  have  regard  now  to  this  vine ! 
Protect  that  planted  by  thy  hand, 
And  made  strong  by  thee  in  the  land — 
Ah !  'tis  cut  down  and  burn'd  with  fire ! 
Destroyed  by  thy  consuming  ire  ! 

Still  may  thy  watchful  care  be  o'er 
The  Man  thy  hand  has  placed  in  power; 
Then  into  sin  we  shall  not  fall, 
But  on  thy  name  devoutly  call. 
Appear,  and  our  backslidings  heal — 
Light  of  thy  countenance  reveal 

PSALM    LXXXI. 

God 's  Admonition  to  his  People. 
THE   PEELUDE. 

SIjSTG  joyfully  to  God,  our  strength ; 

Kaise  now  a  thankful  song; 
With  timbrel  and  sweet-sounding  harp 

His  worthy  praise  prolong. 
The  new  and  full  moon  trumpets  blow, 

Proclaim  each  festal  day ; 
This  law  God  "gave,  when  us  he  led 

From  Egypt  safe  away. 
* : 5 


140         The   Psalms   in   Me  tee. 

THE    HYMN. 

When  thou  wast  in  the  bonds  of  sin, 

Employed  in  drudgery, 
I  heard  thy  plaintive,  earnest  prayer, 

And  kindly  set  thee  free. 

To  prove  thee,  and  increase  thy  strength, 

I  thee  afflictions  gave; 
Waters  of  bitterness  and  strife ; 

But  present  was  to  save. 

Hear  thou  iny  admonition  now; 

Have  no  strange  god  with  thee, 
For  I  alone  am  the  Supreme; 

Hence  worship  only  Me. 

From  bondage  did  I  bring  thee  forth, 

And  save  in  other  days; 
Now  open  in  my  house  thy  mouth, 

And  it  I'll  fill  with  praise. 

Be  not  like  ancient  Israel, 

Who  would  not  me  obey, 
So  that  I  left  them  to  themselves, 

To  walk  in  sorrow's  way. 

But  ever  hearken  thou  to*me, 

And  I  will  be  thy  guide; 
I  will  thine  enemies  subdue* — 

Turn  coming  ills  aside. 

& — — & 


The   Psalms   in   Metee.  141 

I'll  grant  thee  great  prosperity; 

The  bread  of  heaven  I'll  give, 
The  wheat  and  honey  of  my  house ; 

And  thou  with  nie  shalt  live. 

PSALM    LXXXII. 

Appeal  to  Wicked  Rulers. 

AMID  the  rulers  in  the  land 
The  Lord  as  judge  is  pleased  to  stand. 
To  them  he  says,  "How  long  will  ye 
Unjustly  judge,  and  serve  the  cause 
Of  men  who  disobey  the  laws  ? 
Change  ye  your  course,  judge  righteously, 
Defend  the  poor  and  fatherless, 
Do  justice  to  those  in  distress, 
The  destitute  relieve  and  bless, 
And  save  from  th'  oppressor's  hand; 
For  they  are  destitute  of  light, 
And  walk  in  darkness,  as  of  night. 
Hence  shake  th'  foundations  of  the  land. 
But  although  gods  I  might  ye  call, 
Or  children  of  the  Lord  most  high, 
Yet  ye  like  other  men  should  die, 
And  like  the  helpless  princes  fall ! " 
To  judge  the  nations,  Lord,  arise ! 
The  earth  is  thine,  and  at  thy  mercy  lies, 
g g 


s 

142         The   Psalms   in   Metee. 


PSALM    LXXXIII. 

Prayer  aqoinst  Enemies. 

KEEP  thou  not  silent,  O  my  God ! 

Thy  enemies  begin  to  rage; 
They  confidently  spread  abroad, 

And  in  their  secret  plots  engage 
Thy  people  to  exterminate, 
For  them  do  they  intensely  hate. 
"Let  us  blot  out  their  name,"  say  they, 

"Till  as  a  nation  they  may  cease, 
Nor  afterward  remembered  be  ! " 
The  tribes  around  in  league  agree, 

No  longer  satisfied  with  peace ; 
The  tents  of  Edom,  Ishmael — 

Of  Moab,  and  the  Hagarenes, 
With  Gebal,  Ammon,  Aroalek, 
Philistines,  they  in  Tyre  who  dwell ; 

While  with  them  join  Assyrians, 

And  would  our  nation  make  a  wreck ! 

As  th?  Midianites  let  them  be, 

Who  were  each  by  his  fellow  slain ; 

As  Jabin's  army  let  them  flee, 
Till  even  one  shall  not  remain ; 

— s 


m s 

The   Psaljis    in   Meter.         143 

Or  as  his  captain,  Sisera, 
\Hioni  Jael  in  her  tent  did  slay ; 

As  Oreb  and  as  Zeeb,  who, 
At  Jordan  fell  to  us  a  prey; 
As  Zebah  and  as  Zalniunna, 

AVhom  Gideon,  though  princes,  slew. 
For  they  against  us  fiercely  say, 
"  Let  us  God's  habitation  seize." 
Make  them  as  chaff  before  the  wind, 
That  their  assemblies  none  shall  find ! 
As  fire  consumes  the  forest  trees, 
And  makes  the  lofty  mountains  blaze, 
So  let  thy  tempest  them  pursue — 
Thy  storm  them  greatly  terrify  ! 
Till  they  their  faces  hide  from  view, 
Ashamed  that  they  such  schemes  should 

try; 

And  turn  and  seek  thy  holy  name — 
Yea,  let  them  soon  be  put  to  shame, 
Confess  that  thou  art  God  alone, 
Till  through  the  earth  thy  name  is  known. 

PSALM    LXXXIV. 

PAET    I. 

Longing  for  God's  Worship.  0 

O  THOU  our  Saviour  and  our  God, 
How  lovely  the  place  of  thine  abode ! 


144        The    Psalms    in    Metee. 

I  long  thy  sacred  courts  to  see — 
My  soul  cries  out,  O  God,  for  thee. 

The  sparrow  finds  a  place  of  rest, 
The  swallow  where  to  form  her  nest; 
Yea,  in  thy  house  a  place  she  finds, 
Beside  its  altars  and  its  shrines. 

Happy  are  they  who  spend  their  days 
Here  in  the  service  of  thy  praise ; 
And  thee  their  strength  and  glory  make, 
Nor  Zion's  holy  ways  forsake. 

The  thirsty  land  through  which  they  go, 
They  make  as  a  vast  fountain  flow; 
While  showers  of  grace,  upon  it  shed, 
It  with  rich  blessings  overspread. 

And  as  their  journey  they  pursue, 
Their  strength  they  day  by  day  renew; 
Till  they  at  last  their  course  fulfill, 
And  stand  secure  on  Zion's  hill. 

PART   IT. 

The  Value  of  a  Place  in  God  's  House. 

GOD  of  thy  people,  now  give  ear ; 
Consent^my  earnest  prayer  to  hear; 
Thou  art  my  shield ;  O  look  on  me, 
Who  early  was  baptized  to  thee. 


5 _3 

The    Psalms    in    Metee.         145 

Within  thy  courts  a  single  day, 
Exceeds  a  thousand  spent  away; 
Here  better  a  low  place  possess, 
Than  dwell  in  tents  of  wickedness. 

For  in  this  gloomy  moral  night, 
Thou  art  a  sun  to  give  us  light; 
And  on  life's  fearful  battle-field, 
Our  ever  sure,  protecting  shield. 

Both  grace  and  glory  thou  wilt  give 
Us  even  while  on  earth  we  live ; 
And  no  good  thing  to  him  refuse 
Who  here  the  path  of  right  pursues. 

O  Thou  who  art  most  good  and  just ! 
The  man  who  puts  in  thee  his  trust 
Is  far  above  his  fellows  blessed — 
He  finds  in  thee  true  joy  and  rest. 

PSALM    LXXXY. 

Prayer  for  a  Revival. 

LORD,  thou  hast  in  other  days  » 
Filled  our  hearts  with  joy  and  praise ; 
Captives  given  kind  release; 
Sin-sick  souls  afforded  peace; 

19 

, — $ 


^ SI 

146        The    Psalms    in    Meter. 

Covered  by  atoning  blood, 
Sins  that  dared  thy  vengeful  sword; 
Called  those  who  had  gone  astray ; 
Turned  from  thy  fierce  wrath  away. 

Now  thy  people,  Lord,  restore; 
Angry  be  with  them  no  more. 
Shall  thine  anger  have  no  end? 
Ever  shall  thy  wrath  descend  % 
Us,  kept  by  thy  grace  alive, 
Wilt  thou  not  again  revive? 
Then  thy  people  shall  rejoice — 
Praise  thee  with  united  voice. 

Now  thy  gracious  words  we  hear, 

Bidding  us  no  longer  fear, 

Nor  again  to  folly  turn, 

But  the  words  of  wisdom  learn. 

Pleased  thou  art  thine  aid  to  give 

Those  who  in  thy  service  live, 

That  the  glory  of  our  God 

Through  the  earth  may  spread  abroad. 

Truth  and  mercy  seek  this  place, 
Righteousness  and  peace  embrace; 
Earth  shows  truth  her  to  commend, 
Heaven  bids  righteousness  descend. 

5 g 


The   Psalms   in   Meter.         147 

God  gives  us  prosperity, 
We  a  rich  increase  shall  see ; 
He  before  us  leads  the  way, 
We  from  him  need  never  stray. 

PSALM    LXXXVI. 

PART   I. 

God's  Mercy  and  Greatness  pleaded  in  Prayer. 

0  LOKD,  incline  thy  gracious  ear 
To  me  in  my  distress, 

For  I  my  life  devote  to  thee; 
Wilt  thou  not  save  and  bless? 

In  pity  hear  my  daily  cry, 
My  troubled  soul  relieve; 

1  know,  O  Lord,  that  thou  art  good, 
And  ready  to  forgive: 

Yea,  that  in  mercy  thou  art  rich 

To  all  who  call  on  thee; 
Then  let  my  prayer  before  thee  come, 

Let  me  thy  mercy  see. 

Among  the  gods  there's  none  like  thee ; 

No  other  works  like  thine ; 
All  nations  thou  hast  made,  at  last 

Must  to  thy  praise  incline. 
i 


. ft 

148        The    Psalms    in    Metee. 

That  thou  art  great,  the  One  Supreme, 

Thy  mighty  works  declare; 
Yea,  thou,  O  Lord,  art  God  alone; 

None  can  thy  glory  share. 

paet  n. 

Prayer  for  Guidance  and  Protection. 

TEACH  me  thy  way,  O  God,  that  I 

May  walk  in  truth  sincere; 
And  firmly  all  my  heart  unite, 

Thy  holy  name  to  fear. 

With  my  whole  heart  thee  will  I  praise, 

To  thee  all  glory  give; 
Thy  kindness  has  been  great  to  me — 

It  is  by  thee  I  live. 

Thou  hast  protected  me  from  death, 
Though  in  the  midst  of  strife, 

When  bands  of  cruel  men  were  formed 
To  take  away  my  life. 

Thou  art  a  God  of  graciousness, 

On  me  compassion  have; 
Impart  thy  guarding,  conquering  strength, 

And  me,  thy  servant,  save. 


:i 


The   Psalms    in   Metek.         149 

A  token  of  thy  favor  show, 

That  it  my  foes  may  see; 
And  turn,  confounded,  when  they  know 

That  thou,  Lord,  helpest  me. 

PSALM    LXXXVII. 

The  Glory  of  Zion. 

ZION,  city  of  my  God, 

On  his  holy  mountain  stands, 
Looking  o'er  the  earth  abroad; 

Hope  and  glory  of  all  lands. 

Loves  he  more  thy  strength  and  power, 
Than  all  else  his  hands  have  made; 

Thou  art  as  a  guarded  tower: 
Glorious  things  of  thee  are  said ! 

Life  thou  dost  the  nations  give; 

In  all  lands  men  spring  from  thee; 
For  thy  sake  alone  they  live — 

God  has  made  thee  strong  and  free. 

When  the  world  in  judgment  stands, 
God  will  own  thy  children  there ; 

Joyful  come  they  from  all  lands — 
To  their  home  above  repair. 

_ — _ — ® 


_______ — _ ® 

150         The   Psalms   in   Metee. 


PSALM    LXXXVIII. 

The  Prayer  of  One  in  Great  Distress. 

0  LORD,  thou  hast  the  power  to  save, 
To  me  incline  thine  ear; 

By  day  and  night  to  thee  I  cry, 

My  supplication  hear. 
My  soul  is  fall  of  misery ; 

I  draw  near  to  the  grave; 
Am  counted  as  condemned  to  death, 

Without  a  friend  to  save. 
By  thy  just  judgment  I  am  placed 

In  an  abyss  of  woe ; 
Thy  weighty  wrath  upon  me  rests, 

Thy  waves  me  overflow. 
Thou  hast  my  friends  from  me  estranged; 

Escape  my  power  defies; 

1  languish  in  my  hopelessness, 

And  weeping  dims  mine  eyes. 

Still  to  thee,  Lord,  I  lift  my  hands; 

O  do  not  let  me  die; 
Canst  thou  thy  wonders  show  the  dead? 

Can  they  to  thee  draw  nigh? 
Shall  truth  be  published  in  the  grave? 

Thy  goodness  there  be  known? 


8 


8 

The   Psalms   in   Metee.  151 



0  Lord,  for  help  to  thee  I  ciy; 
I  look  to  thee  alone ; 

At  dawn  of  day  on  thee  I  call, 

Thy  face  why  from  me  hide? 
From  youth  I  have  afflicted  been, 

By  dangers  terrified. 
Yea,  now  thy  wrath  me  overwhelms, 

Thy  terrors  fill  with  awe; 
Lover  and  friend  thou  hast  estranged — 

Acquaintances  withdraw. 

PSALM    LXXXIX. 

PAET   I. 

The  Subject  of  the  Psalm. 

1  SIXGr  the  mercies  of  the  Lord, 
His  faithfulness  I  show; 

His  mercies  evermore  endure; 
His  truth  no  change  shall  know. 

He  says,  "  With  David  I  have  made 

A  covenant  secure; 
The  throne  shall  in  his  family 

Remain  for  ever  sure." 

paet  n. 

The  Faithfulness  and  Mercy  of  God. 

THE  heavens,  O  Lord,  thy  praise  show  forth, 
The  saints  thy  truth  declare; 

j 5 


__ S3 

152        The    Psalms    in    Meter. 

But  who  in  heaven,  or  on  the  earth, 
Can  we  with  God  compare? 

In  the  assembled  hosts  above 

Thou  art  supremely  feared; 
And  by  all  creatures  on  the  earth 

Thou  shouldst  be  most  revered. 

Who  mighty  is,  O  God,  like  thee? 

Or  doth  his  words  fulfill? 
Thou  dost  control  the  raging  sea, 

And  bid  its  waves  be  still. 

Thy  people,  in  the  days  of  old, 
Thou  didst  from  bondage  free; 

But  broke  in  pieces  all  their  foes — 
O'erwhelm'd  them  in  the  sea. 

The  heavens  and  earth  alike  are  thine; 

Thou  didst  all  things  create; 
The  mountains  in  thy  name  rejoice: 

Thou  only,  Lord,  art  great. 

Justice  and  equity  sustain, 
And  make  secure  thy  throne; 

Mercy  and  truth  from  thee  proceed, — 
Are  with  thee  ever  known. 

8 ___ 1 


g_ — _ H 

The    Psalms    in    Meter.        153 


part   rn. 

The  People  who  know  the  Joyful  Sound. 

THE  Gospel  tranip  to  all  proclaims, 

God  has  a  ransom  found; 
And  they  are  more  than  others  blessed 

Who  know  the  joyful  sound. 

As  they  their  pilgrimage  pursue, 

To  join  the  hosts  above, 
Thou  dost,  O  Lord,  then  strength  renew, 

And  look  on  them  in  love. 

They  daily  in  thy  name  rejoice, 

For  thou  hast  set  them  free; 
They  glory  in  thy  righteousness, 

And  put  their  trust  in  thee. 

Thou  art  the  glory  of  their  strength  ; 

Strong  are  they  in  thy  grace; 
Yea,  through  thy  favor  they  stand  firm, 

And  seek  the  heavenly  place. 

Christ  for  our  shield  thou  hast  us  given — 

His  praise  we  gladly  sing; 
He  is  our  richest  gift  from  Heaven, 

Our  Saviour  and  our  King. 

20 


8 

154         The    Psalms   in    Meteb. 


paet  IV. 

God's  Covenant  with  David. 

A  STRONG  one  I  to  power  have  raised, 

And  help  upon  him  laid; 
Anointed  him  with  holy  oil, 

And  him  a  ruler  made. 

Firmly  my  hand  shall  him  support, 

Whoever  may  oppose ; 
I  him  will  guard  from  wicked  men, 

And  beat  down  all  his  foes. 

My  faithfulness  shall  him  exalt, 

My  mercy  him  defend; 
And  from  the  rivers  to  the  sea, 

I  will  his  power  extend. 

He  shall  me  for  his  Father  claim, 

The  Rock  of  his  defense ; 
And  I  will  make  him  my  first-born, 

And  power  to  him  dispense. 

My  mercy  toward  him  shall  not  fail, 
My  words  I  have  made  fast; 

The  throne  shall  in  his  house  remain 
Long  as  the  heavens  last. 


s- 


The    Psalms   in   Meter.         155 

And  should  his  children  me  forsake, 

And  violate  my  law, 
I  will  them  punish  for  their  sins, 

But  kindness  not  withdraw. 

My  covenant  I  will  not  break 

Which  I  with  David  made; 
To  him  I  never  will  prove  false, 

Nor  change  what  I  have  said. 

The  throne  shall  in  his  family, 

Last  as  the  sun  on  high; 
It  is  established  as  the  moon, 

The  witness  in  the  sky. 

paet  v. 

David  Pleads  God's  Covenant. 

BUT  now  is  thine  anointed  one 

By  thee,  O  Lord,  abhorred, 
Thou  hast  his  crown  cast  to  the  ground, 

Thy  covenant  made  void. 

Thou  hast  his  hedges  broken  down, 

That  all  may  him  devour — 
Made  him  to  neighbors  a  reproach, 

And.  raised  his  foes  to  power. 

Yea,  thou  his  foes  hast  made  rejoice; 

Thou  dost  not  him  defend ; 
« 


156  The   Psalms   in    Meter. 

Thou  hast  brought  on  him  sad  defeat, 
His  glory  to  an  end. 

Thou  hast  his  throne  laid  in  the  dust, 
Brought  to  reproach  his  name; 

Shortened  his  days  of  joyous  youth, 
And  covered  him  with  shame. 

How  long  wilt  thou  be  angry,  Lord  ? 

Against  me  stand  arrayed? 
Remember  how  soon  life  is  passed — 

How  frail  thou  hast  us  made. 

"What  man  that  lives  shall  not  see  death? 

What  man  shall  shun  the  grave? 
Where  is  thy  loving-kindness  now? 

Me  from  my  sorrows  save. 

Doxology. 
Praise  ye  the  great  eternal  King, 

His  sacred  name  adore; 
Join  earth  and  heaven  his  grace  to  sing; 

Praise  him  for  evermore. 


® ® 


g 3 

The    Psalms    in   Metee.        157 


BOOK    I  V. 


PSALM    XC. 

The  Brevity  of  Raman  Life. 

O  LOBD,  thou  hast  our  refuge  been, 
In  all  the  past,  from  grief  and  sin. 
Before  the  mountains  were  brought  forth, 
Or  ever  thou  hadst  formed  the  earth, 
Thou  art  from  all  eternity; 
And  wilt  to  everlasting  be ! 
Thou  takest  life  from  us  away, 
And  bicldest  all  mankind  decay. 

A  thousand  ages  in  thy  sight 
Are  as  a  brief  watch  in  the  night ; 
As  yesterday  when  it  is  passed — 
With  thee  years  not  a  moment  last: 
But  man,  as  with  a  rapid  stream, 
Thou  bearest  hence — he  is  a  dream  ! 
From  morn  till  eve  is  his  short  day; 
Cut  down  like  grass,  and  borne  away. 

For  countless  sins,  all  known  to  thee, 
We  waste  our  lives  in  misery; 

* _ * 


8 8 

158         The   Psalms   in   Metee. 

Our    days    thy    wrath    soon    brings    to 

naught, 
Our  years  pass  as  a  rapid  thought. 
Threescore  and  ten,  allotted  here, 
Leave  only  days  of  pain  and  fear ; 
Soon  doth  remaining  strength  decay, 
Life  closes,  and  we  fly  away. 

Yet  who  sees  in  life's  brevity 
That  sin  abhorrent  is  to  thee? 
Teach  us  to  number  so  our  days, 
That  we  may  walk  in  wisdom's  ways. 
Turn  from  thy  wrath ;  O  Lord,  forgive, 
That  we  may  in  thy  service  live; 
Grant  years  of  joy  for  those  of  pain, 
And  let  our  works  for  thee  remain. 

PSALM    XCL 

The  Safety  of  him  who  Trusts  in  God. 

HE  who  trusts  the  Almighty  God, 
Has  in  his  shadow  safe  abode. 
Make  him  thy  refuge ;  in  his  grace 
Thy  firm  dependence  ever  place. 
He'll  guard  thee  from  the  fowler's  snare, 
In  pestilence  make  thee  his  care; 
His  sheltering  wings  above  thee  spread, 
And  with  his  shield  protect  thy  head. 

_ a 


8 

The   Psalms   in   Metee.         159 

Thou  needest  fear  no  plague  by  night, 
No  arrow  that  flies  amid  the  light. 
The  pestilence  may  fill  the  land, 
And  thousands  fall  at  thy  right  hand, 
But  it  shall  not  come  nigh  to  thee; 
Only  with  terror  thou  shalt  see 
The  recompense  Jehovah  sends, 
On  those  whose  guilt  his  eye  offends. 

Since  thou  hast  God  thy  refuge  made, 
Thy  trust  is  by  his  care  repaid. 
Though  others  fall,  thou  shouldst  not  fear; 
No  plague  shall  come  thy  dwelling  near. 
His  angels  he  sends  from  above, 
To  guard  the  object  of  his  love; 
They  round  thee  form  a  sacred  wall, 
And  thee  uphold  lest  thou  shouldst  fall. 

"  Because  he  loves  me,"  God  doth  say, 
"  I  will  him  guard  both  night  and  day ; 
Deliver  from  all  danger  nigh, 
And  him  securely  set  on  high. 
When  he  in  trouble  calls  on  me, 
To  hear  him  I  will  present  be ; 
Give  honor  and  long  life  below, 
And  him  my  great  salvation  show. 


13 


H ft 

160       The    Psalms    in   Metek. 
PSALM    XCII. 

A  Psalm  for  the  Sabbath-day. 

LOKD,  it  is  good  to  come  before 
Thy  throne  to  worship  and  adore ; 
To  sing  thy  praise  at  early  dawn, 
And  speak  thy  truth  as  night  conies  on ; 
With  instruments  to  join  the  voice, 
And  standing  in  thy  house,  rejoice. 

Thy  goodness  is  by  works  expressed, 
And  them  beholding,  we  are  blessed. 
Great  are  thy  works  displayed  around; 
Thy  purposes,  a  depth  profound; 
But  erring  man,  by  partial  views 
Deceived,  a  fatal  course  pursues. 

For  should  they  who  indulge  in  crime 
Here  greatly  flourish  for  a  time, 
It  is  that  they  may  in  the  end 
To  utter  wretchedness  descend; 
And  we  are  led  God  to  adore, 
Whose  foes  thus  perish  evermore. 

The  righteous  no  reverse  shall  know, 
But  as  the  mountain  cedars  grow; 
They,  planted  in  God's  house  secure, 
Are  safe,  and  their  support  is  sure : 
The  Lord  thus  shows  that  he  is  just, 
And  blesses  all  who  in  him  trust. 
— & 


K 

The    Psalms    in    Meter.         161 


PSALM    XCIII. 

God  in  Nature  and  in  Grace. 

THE  Lord  is  clothed  with  majesty, 

And  reigns  secure  above; 
He  earth's  place  fixed  by  his  decree, 

That  thence  it  should  not  move. 

His  throne  he  in  the  heavens  made  sure 

Ere  time  its  course  began; 
And  there  will  ever  dwell  secure — 

Though  Saviour  now  of  man. 

The  roaring  seas  their  power  display; 

The  waves  majestic  roll; 
But  God  is  mightier  than  they, 

And  can  their  rage  control. 

His  word,  inspired  in  every  line, 

He  potent  made  to  save;    * 
And  to  its  truth,  by  works  divine, 

His  testimony  gave. 

He  is  well  pleased  his  saints  to  see, 
And  waits  while  they  adore; 

Hence  they  like  him  should  holy  be 
Both  now  and  evermore. 

21 


162  The  Psalms   in   Meter. 

PSALM    XCIV. 

PART   I. 

Appeal  to  God  against  the  Wicked. 

VENGEANCE  belongs  to  thee ; 

O  righteous  Lord,  shine  forth! 
And  recompense  iniquity, 

Thou  God  of  all  the  earth. 

How  long  shall  wickedness 
Upon  the  earth  prevail  \ 

Vile  lips  their  insolence  express? — 
Shall  boasting  never  fail? 

The  wicked  in  their  sway, 

Thy  heritage  oppress; 
The  widow  and  the  stranger  slay, 

And  crush  the  fatherless. 

They  say,  "  God  doth  not  see 
Our  actions  in  the  land; 

Or  care  for  our  iniquity, 

And  will  not  us  withstand." 

part  n. 

God  's  Works  Display  Himself. 

YE  who  think  God  sees  not, 
Or  from  concern  is  free ; 


3 


The   Psalms    ik   Metee.         163 

That  no  one  can  perceive  your  thought ; 
Will  ye  instructed  be  ? 

God's  works  himself  display : 

His  skill  contrived  the  ear, 
And  formed  the  air  sounds  to  convey — 

Does  not  this  Being  hear? 

He  formed  the  eye  for  sight, 

Contrived  that  it  should  be 
Impressed  with  images  by  light — 

Has  he  not  power  to  see  ? 

Nations  his  power  display; 

He  doth  their  plans  inspect, 
Opposed  to  all  who  disobey — 

And  shall  not  he  correct? 

He  formed  the  human  mind, 
Where  thoughts  intensely  glow, 

Or  trav'ling  thence,  leave  light  behind — 
Shall  not  this  Being  know? 

God  all  our  words  doth  hear, 

And  all  our  actions  see; 
He  knows  our  thoughts ;  and  they  appear 

To  him  as  vanity. 

£3 ___ &5 


© — 

164         The  Psalms   in   Metee. 


part  in. 

Chastisement  for  our  Good. 

HAPPY,  O  Lord,  is  lie 

Whom  thou  correctest  here, 

To  make  him  wise  thy  truth  to  see, 
And  thy  great  name  to  fear. 

His  mind  is  free  from  care 

In  trouble's  gloomy  day; 
Until  God  shall  a  pit  prepare 

For  them  who  disobey. 

God  will  not  them  forsake 
Who  trust  his  faithful  grace ; 

His  heritage  will  never  make 
A  dreary,  desert  place. 

His  judgments  on  the  land 

To  justice  shall  return ; 
To  spare  his  saints  God  will  command, 

His  wrath  shall  cease  to  burn. 

Then  the  upright  in  heart, 

Who  justice  clearly  see, 
From  it  shall  not  through  life  depart, 

But  in  it  joyful  be. 


OS £ 

The    Psalms    in    Meter.        165 


PART   IY. 

Firm   Ti'vst  in    God. 

WHO  will  rise  up  with  me, 

And  wickedness  withstand? 
Ah !  I  should  ever  silent  be 

Without  God's  helping  hand. 

When  it  seemed  I  should  fall, 

His  goodness  held  me  up ; 
Afflictions  came,  but  'mid  them  all 

He  was  my  constant  hope. 

He  ne'er  himself  allies 

To  men  from  justice  free ; 
Who  mischief  in  their  hearts  devise 

Against  the  powers  that  be: 

Who  join  the  life  to  take 

Of  all  the  just  and  good; 
Condemn  the  innocent,  and  make 

It  sport  to  shed  their  blood. 

The  Lord  is  my  strong  tower, 

And  will  me  still  defend ; 
The  wicked  he  will  hurl  from  power — 

Brin^  to  a  shameful  end. 

S5 


166  The    Psalms   in    Meter. 


PSALM    XCV. 

Exhortation  to  Join  in  Worship. 

COME,  let  us  join  in  the  Saviour's  praise, 
He  is  the  firm  rock  of  our  trust ; 

The  voice  of  joy  and  thanksgiving  raise 
To  him,  the  defense  of  the  just. 

Creation  had  by  his  word  its  birth ; 

He  is  the  great  God  over  all ; 
In  his  hands  are  the  depths  of  the  earth ; 

The  mountains  themselves  on  him  call. 

The  sea  he  did  with  its  glory  crown ; 

He  molded  and  formed  the  dry  land; 
Let  us  before  our  Maker  bow  down, 

For  we  are  the  flock  of  his  hand. 

Come  ye  all  people  who  hear  his  voice, 
Be  not  hard  and  stubborn  of  heart ; 

Fix  on  him  your  affections  and  choice, 
And  seek  in  his  kingdom  a  part. 

Be  ye  not  like  the  people  perverse, 
Of  old  who  against  him  transgressed, 

Till  at  last  they  fell  under  his  curse — 
For  ever  excluded  his  rest. 

8 


« ' 8 

The    Psalms    in    Me  tee.        167 


PSALM     XCVI. 

An  Exhortation  to  Praise  God. 

TO  the  Lord  sing  all  the  earth, 

And  praise  his  holy  name; 
His  salvation  now  show  forth, 

His  glory  loud  proclaim: 
A  new  song  his  grace  demands; 

O  tell  his  wonders  all  the  day; 
Let  the  people  of  all  lands, 

Bow  to  his  righteous  sway. 

For  the  Lord  alone  is  great, 

And  greatly  to  be  praised; 
All  with  fear  should  on  him  wait, 

To  him  all  hands  be  raised : 
He  the  heavens  above  us  made; 

Besides  him  other  gods  are  naught; 
To  him  honor  should  be  paid, 

And  to  him  offerings  brought. 

Glory  and  light  are  his  abode; 

The  pure  before  him  stand ; 
O  ye  saints,  proclaim  him  God ; 

And  bow  at  his  command: 
Give  ye  him  exalted  praise, 

And  to  his  courts  your  off'rings  bring ; 

I : i 


168        The    Psalms    in    Metee. 

Worship  Mm,  your  voices  raise, 
And  in  his  presence  sing. 

Tremble,  earth,  his  throne  before ; 

Him  King,  ye  nations,  own; 
Nature,  stand,  and  God  adore, 

And  make  his  glory  known; 
For  he  doth  all  things  uphold, 

He'll  judge  the  world  in  righteousness ; 
Let  the  heavens  he  formed  of  old, 

And  earth,  their  joys  express. 

Let  the  seas'  vast  fullness  roar, 

The  fields  lift  up  their  voice, 
Silent  be  the  hills  no  more, 

Ye  forest  trees  rejoice. 
God  has  come  on  earth  to  reign; 

The  nations  show  his  faithfulness ; 
He  will  justice  here  maintain, 

And  all  his  people  bless. 

PSALM    XCVII. 

Praise  to  the  Supreme  Ruler. 

REJOICE,  O  earth  !  ye  isles,  be  glad! 

Because  Jehovah  reigns; 
Darkness  and  clouds  around  him  spread, 

Justice  his  throne  sustains: 
a ■ jgi 


R 55 

The   Psalms   in   Metee.  169 

A  burning  fire  before  him  goes, 
And  soon  consumes  bis  haughty  foes. 

His  lightnings  all  the  world  illume; 

Earth,  gazing,  greatly  fears ; 
The  mountains  melt,  as  wax  become, 

When  God  himself  appears : 
The  heavens  his  righteousness  proclaim, 
And  nations  see,  and  fear  his  name. 

Idolaters  confounded  are, 

The  gods  before  him  fall; 
While  Zion  hears  his  voice  from  far, 

Her  daughters  him  extol : 
For  he  is  all  the  gods  above ; 
His  judgments  his  dread  presence  prove. 

His  people  should  all  evil  shun, 

And  in  him  ever  trust; 
For  light  is  for  the  righteous  ?own, 

And  joy  for  all  the  just : 
Hence  now,  ye  saints,  your  God  proclaim ! 
Rejoice,  and  praise  his  holy  name. 

PSALM    XCYIII. 

A  Psalm  of  Praise. 

SING  a  new  song  of  praise  to  God, 
Who  wond'rous  things  has  done; 

22 
S & 


. jg 

170        The    Psalms    in    Metee. 

For  victory  he  has  achieved, 

And  made  his  power  known. 
His  mercy  and  his  truth  for  us 

Has  he  recalled  to  mind  ; 
And  all  have  his  salvation  seen, 

His  good  for  us  designed. 

Yea,  shout,  thou  earth,  unto  the  Lord! 

In  holy  rapture  sing  ! 
With  harp  and  voice,  in  joyful  song, 

Praise  ye  the  Lord,  our  King. 
Let  mountains,  seas,  and  rivers  join, 

And  shout  and  praise  again; 
For  God  in  truth  and  righteousness 

Has  come  on  earth  to  reign. 

PSALM    XCIX. 

Invitation  to  Engage  in   Worship. 

JESUS  reigns,  ye  nations  tremble ! 

Sits  between  the  cherubim 
Zion's  King  o'er  all  exalted ; 

Seen  by  nature's  light,  though  dim: 
He  is  holy; 

Let  all  men  praise  offer  him. 

He  delights  in  truth  and  justice, — 
Let  his  glory  all  declare ; 

jg 


The    Psalms   xx   Metee.         171 

Equity  will  lie  establish ; 
Ever  for  his  people  care; 

He  is  holy; 
Bow  before  his  throne  in  prayer ! 

Saints  of  old  made  supplication, 

And  he  did  an  answer  send; 
He  spake  from  the  cloudy  pillar, 

Ever  ready  to  defend: 
He  is  holy; 

On  his  worship  still  attend. 

They  before  him  made  confession, 
And  they  found  his  mercy  near; 

He  forgave  all  their  transgression — 
He  is  ready  us  to  hear; 

He  is  holy ; 
Let  us  bow  in  holy  fear ! 

PSALM    C. 

Grateful  Praise  and  Adoration. 

LET  all  lands  their  voices  raise 
In  the  great  Jehovah's  praise; 
Come  his  gracious  throne  before, 
Him  with  reverence  adore. 

Let  all  know  the  Lord  is  God, 
And  his  name  proclaim  abroad : 

5 g 


81 58 

172  The   Psalms   in    Metee. 

Us  lie  formed  when  we  were  naught — 
Us,  his  flock,  the  Saviour  bought. 

We  who  thus  to  him  belong 
Joyfully  his  gates  would  throng, — 
Come  to  fill  his  courts  with  praise, — 
Give  to  him  our  fleeting  days. 

Goodness  has  marked  all  the  past, 
Ever  shall  his  mercy  last; 
And  his  truth  shall  stand  the  same 
While  endures  th'  eternal  Name. 

PSALM    CI. 

Prayer  at  Morning  Worship. 

OF  goodness  and  of  justice  now, 

0  Lord,  I  fain  would  sing; 
That  I  may  keep  the  narrow  way, 

To  thee  I  still  would  cling. 

Help  me  to  walk  within  my  house 

With  uprightness  of  heart ; 
To  set  no  wrong  before  mine  eyes, 

Nor  from  thy  truth  depart. 

All  whom  I  find  of  ways  perverse, 

1  will  from  me  remove; 
No  sland'rer  to  my  bosom  take, 

Nor  haughty  person  love. 

g . | 


The   Psalms   in   Meter.         173 

The  pious  will  I  make  my  friends, 

The  upright  give  employ; 
But  liars  and  deceitful  ones 

Shall  not  my  peace  annoyA 

Each  morning  will  I  look  around, 

Look,  too,  my  heart  within, 
To  see  that  neither  I,  nor  mine, 

Have  fallen  into  sin. 

PSALM    CII. 

PAET   I. 

Prayer  of  One  in  Deep  Distress. 

0  LORD,  incline  to  me  thine  ear ; 
Hide  not  thy  face  in  my  distress; 

My  life's  almost  consumed  by  fear, 
And  sorrows  deep  my  heart  impress. 

Forgetful,  I  my  food  forsake; 
My  soul  in  solitude  delights; 

1  doleful  lamentations  make, 
And  sleepless  pass  the  dreary  nights. 

Me  all  day  long  my  foes  revile ; 

Of  me  as  a  cursed  person  speak ; 
And  surely  thou  hast  hid  thy  smile — 

Left  me  in  ashes  thee  to  seek. 
» s§ 


8 ® 

174        The   Psalms   in    Metee. 

My  sins  thou  dost  with  wrath  repay, 
And  me  from  my  high  station  cast; 

My  days  are  passing  fast  away, 
But  thy  days  evermore  will  last. 

PAET   II. 

Prayer  for  the  Prosperity  of  Zion. 

TO  favor  Zion,  Lord,  arise ! 

The  time  has  come  thou  shouldst  her  bless ; 
For  they  who  her  devotions  prize, 

Thy  throne  in  earnest  prayer  address. 

To  them  a  gracious  answer  send ! 

The  nations  then  thy  name  shall  fear; 
O  build  up  Zion,  her  befriend, 

And  let  thy  glory  now  appear. 

The  destitute  of  saving  grace 
Now  supplication  make  to  thee; 

Send  from  thy  high  and  holy  place, 
And  let  them  thy  salvation  see. 

Hear  thou  the  prisoners'  frequent  sighs ; 

The  bound  by  sin  grant  kind  release; 
Then  joyful  songs  to  thee  shall  rise, 

And  piety  on  earth  increase. 

$ ■ 


3 g 

The   Psalms    in   Metee.         175 


paet  m. 

The  Immutability  of  God. 

MY  days  of  earthly  being  wane, 
Borne  on  by  time's  resistless  flow; 

But  thou,  Lord,  dost  unchanged  remain, 
While  generations  come  and  go. 

By  thee  were  earth's  foundation  laid; 

The  heavens  thy  handiwork  display; 
But  all  these  things  which  thou  hast  made 

Are  helpless  subjects  of  decay. 

Yea,  as  a  garment  they  wax  old; 

None  of  thy  works  unchanged  abide ; 
The  heavens  thou  wilt  together  fold, 

And  earth  in  ruins  lay  aside. 

But  thou  shalt  evermore  endure; 

Thou  only  art  unchangeable; 
And  with  thee  are  thy  saints  secure, 

As  in  thy  house  above  they  dwell. 

PSALM   cm. 

A  Grateful  Song  of  Praise. 

O  BLESS  the  Lord,  my  soul, 
His  holy  name  adore; 
3 


3 ® 

176         The  Psalms   in   Metee. 

In  prayer  upon  him  call ; 
Forget  his  gifts  no  more: 
For  they  are  numberless  and  free — 
The  priceless  gifts  of  grace  to  thee. 

He  doth  thy  sins  forgive, 

Thy  moral  ills  remove ; 

Permits  thee  here  to  live, 

And  crowns  thee  with  his  love : 
He  ever  grants  thee  heavenly  food, 
So  that  each  day  thy  strength's  renewed. 

Th'  oppressed  he  doth  release, 

As  in  the  past  made  known ; 
Doth  grant  abiding  peace, 
And  as  his  children  own : 
Yea,  high  as  are  the  heavens  above, 
So  great  to  us  has  been  his  love. 

Far  as  from  east  to  west, 

He  has  our  sins  removed; 
Us  pitied  when  distressed, 
And  a  kind  Father  proved : 
For  well  he  knows  our  feeble  frame, 
Remembers  from  the  dust  we  came. 

Our  days  are  as  the  grass — 
The  spring's  first  fragile  flower, 

j— a 


» 

The   Psalms   ix   Metis.         177 

O'er  which  the  north  winds  pass, 
And  it  is  known  no  more : 
But  ever  shall  his  love  endure, 
To  all  his  faithful  children  sure. 

Now  Him  who  reigns  above, 
Ye  mighty  angels  praise; 
Ye  saints  proclaim  his  love, 
Rejoicing  in  his  ways; 
And  all  his  works  loud  praise  accord: 
My  soul,  too,  stand  and  bless  the  Lord. 

PSALM     CIV. 

The  Wonderful  and  Manifold  Works  of  God. 

MY  soul,  on  God  devoutly  wait, 
And  praise  his  name,  for  it  is  great : 
Yea,  far  above  all  creatures,  he 
Is  clothed  with  glorious  majesty. 

The  light  he  as  a  garment  wears ; 

The    heavens    spreads    out,    bedecked    with 

stars ; 
Above  the  waters  stored  on  high, 
He  built  the  palace  of  the  sky. 

The  clouds  his  chariot  he  makes; 

To  him  the  wind's  strong  wings  he  takes ; 

23 


0— 

178         The   Psalms   in   Metek. 

He  sends  the  winds  to  do  his  will; 
The  lightnings  his  commands  fulfill. 

The  earth's  place  he  arranged  secure, 
And  made  its  vast  foundations  sure; 
O'er  it  the  mighty  waters  spread ; 
But  at  his  stern  rebuke  they  fled. 

The  valleys  sank  beneath  his  hand ; 
The  mountains  rose,  far  spread  the  land; 
Their  place  he  made  the  waters  know, 
Lest  they  again  the  earth  o'erflow. 

From  springs  he  sent  forth  cheerful  rills, 
And  made  them  run  amid  the  hills, 
That  beasts  which  in  the  forests  roam, 
To  quench  their  thirst  to  them  might  come. 

The  birds  which  midst  the  branches  sing, 
About  them  sport  on  joyous  wing; 
While  ever  floating  clouds  remain, 
And  satisfy  the  earth  with  rain. 

Through  him  its  grass  earth  richly  yields, 
For  all  the  cattle  in  the  fields ; 
He  causes  herbage  to  spring  forth, 
And  brings,  for  man,  food  from  the  earth. 

Man's  heart  to  gladden  he  gives  wine ; 
And  oil  to  make  his  face  to  shine; 

£3 g 


The    Psalms    in    Me  tee.         179 


And  bread  nutrition  to  impart. 

And  strength  and  courage  give  his  heart. 

The  trees  so  thrifty  in  the  land 
Were  firmly  planted  by  his  hand; 
On  them  the  birds  their  nests  prepare, 
And  wild  beasts  make  their  refuge  there. 

The  moon  he  made  the  months  to  show; 
The  sun  its  setting  hour  to  know; 
When  night  comes  on ;  and  beasts  of  prey 
For  food  amid  the  forests  stray. 

The  sun  returns,  and  they  withdraw, 
Obeying  his  established  law  ; 
And  man  to  labor  cheerful  goes, 
Till  eve  again  brings  sweet  repose. 

Thy  works,  O  Lord,  are  manifold; 
In  them  thy  wisdom  we  behold ; 
They  all  are  made  with  wond'rous  skill; 
Thy  riches  all  the  earth  doth  fill. 

Behold  the  sea  both  deep  and  wide, 
Where  creatures  numberless  abide : 
Ships  learn  its  strange  and  trackless  ways; 
Leviathan  within  it  plays. 

. & 


8 


180         The   Psalms   in   Me  tee. 

On  thee  for  food  these  hosts  depend, 
And  gather  that  which  thou  dost  send ; 
They  by  thy  hand  are  satisfied, 
And  perish  if  thy  face  thou  hide. 

Their  breath  thou  takest,  and  they  die ; 
Thy  Spirit  sendest  from  on  high, 
And  into  being  they  spring  forth — 
Thus  thou  renewest  life  on  earth. 

Thou  in  thy  works  rejoicing  hast ; 
Thy  glory  evermore  shall  last; 
Earth  shakes  when  thou  dost  on  it  look; 
The  hills  thou  touchest,  and  they  smoke. 

Long  as  I  live  to  God  I'll  sing — 
Accept  Thou  now  my  offering; 
Be  wickedness  on  earth  destroyed ; 
Kejoice,  my  soul ;  O  praise  the  Lord  ! 


PSALM    CV. 

The  Goodness  of  God  to  Israel  traced  in  their  History. 

GIVE  thanks  to  God,  upon  him  call, 

He  is  our  rightful  King; 
His  works  to  all  the  world  make  known, 

And  to  him  joyful  sing. 


& 

The   Psalms   in  Metee.         181 

Yea,  glory  in  his  holy  name, 

And  triumph  in  his  grace; 
0  let  your  hearts  in  him  rejoice, 

And  seek  ye  now  his  face. 
Remember  all  the  wond'rous  works 

Which  he  for  us  has  done, 
His  chosen  people  on  the  earth; 

For  great  is  every  one. 
Jehovah  is  himself  our  God ; 

His  judgments  far  extend  ; 
His  covenant  he'll  bear  in  mind 

Till  generations  end. 
It  first  with  Abraham  he  made, 

With  Isaac  then  renewed, 
And  then  to  Jacob  reaffirmed 

That  he  would  make  it  good. 
He  said,  "  To  thee  and  to  thy  seed 

I  Canaan  truly  give; 
That  ye,  despite  your  many  foes, 

May  there  in  plenty  live." 

And  when  in  number  they  were  few, 

And  strangers  in  the  land, 
Them,  as  they  passed  from  place  to  place, 

He  guarded  with  his  hand. 
Kings  for  their  sake  did  he  rebuke, 

That  none  should  them  oppress ; 

8 £ 


© : ® 

182        The    Psalms    in   Metee. 

Saying,  "  Do  not  my  people  harm — 
My  prophets  not  distress." 

"When  he  brought  famine  on  the  land, 

And  broke  the  staff  of  bread ; 
He,  sending  one  before  them  forth, 

Provision  for  them  made. 
Joseph  was  for  a  bondsman  sold, 

His  feet  with  chains  were  bonnd, 
Till  his  predictions  came  to  pass, 

And  he  was  truthful  found. 
Then  to  his  prison  sent  the  king, 

And  him  from  chains  set  free; 
And  made  him  ruler  in  the  land, 

Next  to  his  majesty; 
That  all  the  interests  of  his  realm, 

He  wisely  should  conduct; 
To  bind  his  princes  as  he  would, 

And  counselors  instruct. 

Then  Israel  to  Egypt  came, 

To  sojourn  in  the  land ; 
And  there  God  greatly  them  increased, 

And  mighty  made  their  hand : 
But  the  Egyptians  changed  from  friends 

To  be  their  bitter  foes  ; 
And  in  their  hatred  brought  on  them 

Insufferable  woes. 

GS 


The    Psalms    in   Metee.        183 

Moses  and  Aaron  then  were  sent, 

Them  froin  the  land  to  bring ; 
And  many  mighty  works  they  wrought 

Before  the  haughty  king. 
The  Lord  sent  darkness  on  the  land, 

Their  evil  hearts  to  tiy; 
He  turned  their  water  into  blood, 

And  caused  their  fish  to  die. 
He  sent  forth  frogs,  a  mighty  host, 

Which  them  deprived  of  rest ; 
He  spake,  and  there  came  flies  and  lice, 

Their  dwellings  to  infest. 
Instead  of  rain  he  sent  them  hail ; 

He  fire  upon  them  sent; 
And  in  his  anger  smote  their  vines, 

And  all  their  fig-trees  rent. 
Obedient  to  his  command, 

Locusts  upon  them  poured ; 
Which  spread  themselves  throughout  the 
land, 

And  all  their  fruits  devoured. 
Then  he  their  first-born  smote  with  death, 

And  Israel  set  free; 
Before  ordaining  in  their  tribes 

That  none  should  feeble  be. 
With  gold  and  silver  they  went  forth, 

While  God  was  still  their  guide; 
s 


8 _ — _ — ® 

184         The   Psalms   in   Metee. 

And  Egypt  gladly  let  them  go, 
For  they  were  terrified. 

God  spread  a  cloud  o'er  them  by  day, 

A  fire  for  light  by  night : 
Gave  flocks  of  quails  to  satisfy 

Their  craving  appetite. 
The  rock  he  opened,  and  brought  forth 

Water  their  thirst  to  slake; 
For  he,  remembering  the  past, 

His  promise  would  not  break. 
He  led  his  people  forth  with  joy, 

The  Gentiles  dispossessed ; 
The  lands  of  others  gave  their  tribes, 

With  others'  labors  blessed; 
That  they  might  still  his  name  preserve, 

And  his  just  laws  obey : 
Hence  for  past  mercies  offer  praise ; 

For  present  favors  pray. 

PSALM    CYI. 

A  Historic  Sketch  of  the  Sins  of  Israel 

PRAISE  ye  the  Lord,  for  he  is  good. 

His  mercy  never  ends; 
Who  can  his  mighty  deeds  declare  ? 

The  blessings  which  he  sends  ? 

& 


The    Psalms    in   Meter.        185 

Who  fully  can  show  forth  his  praise  % 

Him  worthily  address? — 
They  happy  are  who  justice  do, 

And  practice  righteousness. 
With  favors  promised  to  thy  saints, 

O  Lord,  remember  me ; 
And  with  thy  great  salvation  bless ; 

Yea,  grant  that  I  may  see 
Thy  chosen  people  free  again, 

And  prosperous  in  the  land; 
That  I  may  in  their  joy  rejoice, 

And  safely  with  them  stand. 

We  have  with  all  our  fathers  sinned 

Who  were  from  Egypt  brought; 
Thy  wonders  did  they  disregard, 

Thy  mercies  they  forgot; 
Rebelled  against  thee  at  the  sea, 

In  dangers  threat'ning  hour; 
Yet  saved  he  them  for  his  name's  sake, 

And  to  make  known  his  power. 
For  them  he  then  dried  up  the  sea, 

And  led  them  safely  through; 
But  in  the  waters,  flowing  back, 

Their  enemies  o'erthrew. 
Then  they  believed  his  promises, 

And  joyful  sang  his  praise ; 

24 


186        The    Psalms    in    Meter. 

But  soon  his  mercies  they  forgot, 

And  walked  in  sinful  ways. 
They  did  to  appetite  give  way, 

For  meat  distrustful  beg; 
And  he  them  granted  their  request, 

But  sent,  meantime,  a  plague. 

Against  their  leaders  they  rebelled, 

And  were  by  earth  devoured; 
A  fire  was  kindled  in  their  midst — 

God's  wrath  was  on  them  poured. 
They  made  an  image  of  a  calf, 

And  to  it  worship  paid ; 
Thus  they,  like  to  a  grazing  ox, 

The  Lord  of  glory  made ! 
Their  mighty  Saviour  they  forgot, 

Who  wond'rous  things  had  done, 
From  their  Egyptian  bondage  freed, 

And  victoiy  for  them  won ; 
When  them  God  threatened  to  destroy; 

But  Moses  for  them  prayed, 
And  stood  before  him  in  the  breach, 

Till  he  his  wrath  allayed. 
They,  too,  the  promised  land  despised, 

And  disbelieved  his  word ; 
With  murmuring  turned  from  his  voice, 

As  though  they  had  not  heard. 
a 


8 

The   Psalms   in   Meter.  187 

Then  lie  swore  they  should  never  come 

Into  the  promised  rest ; 
And  their  descendants  scattered  be, 

And  in  all  lands  oppressed. 
They  Baal-peor  worshiped,  too; 

His  sacrifices  ate; 
When  God  them  to  the  plague  gave  up, 

And  fearful  made  their  fate. 
But  Phinehas  avenged  their  crime, 

So  that. the  plague  was  stayed; 
For  which  he  was  imputed  just, 

And  honors  were  him  paid. 
They  also  sinned  at  Meribah, 

And  ill  on  Moses  brought; 
For  he  spake  there  imprudently — 

Without  sufficient  thought. 

They  spared  the  nations  when  they  came 

Into  the  promised  land, 
And  learned  their  evil  practices ; 

Thus  breaking  God's  command. 
They  even  to  their  idols  bowed 

And  offered  sacrifice 
Of  their  own  children,  by  them  slain — 

A  most  revolting  vice ! 
Polluting  thus  the  land  with  blood, 

The  blood  of  innocence ; 
g 


_ 8 

188         The    Psalms    in    Meter. 

For  idols,  too,  forsaking  God, 

Till  his  wrath  waxed  intense. 
And  with  abhorrence  them  he  gave 

Up  to  their  foes  a  prey ; 
To  be  oppressed  and  sadly  crushed 

Beneath  their  cruel  sway. 
And  oft  did  he  deliver  them  ; 

But  they  his  laws  transgressed; 
And  then  he  gave  them  up  again 

To  be  again  oppressed. 
Yet  when  they  in  affliction  cried, 

He  heard  their  earnest  prayer; 
His  covenant  remembered  then, 

And  made  them  still  his  care. 
According  to  his  mercy  great, 

Again  he  set  them  free; 
And  caused  their  foes  to  pity  them 

In  their  captivity. 

Lord,  from  the  nations  gather  us, 

And  holy  make  our  ways; 
Then  we  will  offer  thanks  to  thee, 

And  glory  in  thy  praise. 


B! 


G5 g 

The    Psalms    in    Metee.        189 


BOOK    V. 


PSALM    CVII. 

God's  Goodness  to  Men  in  Different  Circumstances. 

UNTO  the  Lord  thank-off'rings  give, 
He  only  is  supremely  good; 

His  mercy  evermore  shall  live : 
And  let  it  be  proclaimed  abroad 
By  all  who  are  redeemed  of  God 

From  the  strong  foe's  oppressive  hand; 

Gathered  again  from  every  land, 

Where  exiled  they  had  been  oppressed; 

From  north,  and  south,  and  east,  and  west. 

They  wandered  in  a  desert  land, 
Where  reigned  unbroken  solitude; 
And  where  they  found  not  proper  food 
When  hungry  and  athirst,  nor  road, 

Nor  guidance  of  a  friendly  hand, 
To  a  safe  city  where  to  dwell. 

Then  they  besought  God  them  to  save, 

And  he  deliv'rance  kindly  gave. 
He  guided  them  o'er  hill  and  dell, 
And  still  provided  for  them  well. 
B ^ — 1 


8 ® 

190         The    Psalms    in    Meter. 

O  let  them  God's  great  goodness  praise, 
And  glory  in  his  wondrous  ways, 
For  he  the  thirsty  satisfies, 
And  them  who  hunger  ne'er  denies. 

They  dwelt  in  darkness  most  profound 
Of  dungeons,  where  they  were  confined, 

And  in  chains  and  afflictions  bound, 
Because  against  the  Lord  they  sinned. 

(For  they  defied  his  righteous  will, 

And  did  not  his  commands  fulfill;) 

Until  their  hearts  were  filled  with  grief — 

They  fell,  and  none  brought  them  relief. 

Then  they  besought  God  them  to  save, 

And  he  deliv'rance  kindly  gave. 

From  their  dark  cells  he  did  them  take, 

And  their  strong  bands  asunder  brake. 

O  let  them  God's  great  goodness  praise, 

And  glory  in  his  wondrous  ways, 

For  he  has  set  the  pris'ner  free ; 

Released  from  chains  and  misery. 

The  foolish  God's  just  laws  transgressed, 
And  hence  were  punished  and  distressed; 
When  they  turned  languidly  from  good, 
And  even  loathed  the  best  of  food ; 
And  panting,  labored  for  their  breath 
While  lying  near  the  gates  of  death. 


83 . — ® 

The   Psalms    in   Metee.         191 

Then  they  besought  God  them  to  save, 
And  he  deliv'rance  kindly  gave. 
He  came  to  them,  rebuked  their  pain, 
And  them  restored  to  health  again. 
0  let  them  God's  great  goodness  praise, 
And  glory  in  his  wondrous  ways; 
Let  thanks  their  tuneful  lips  employ, 
And  all  his  works  declare  with  joy. 

They  who  afar  in  vessels  sail, 

And  business  do  upon  the  sea, 
Behold  God's  works  amid  the  gale — 

His  terror  and  his  majesty. 
He  sends  his  strong  command  abroad; 
The  winds  obey  the  word  of  God, 
And  lift  the  mighty  waves  on  high. 
Then  mount  they  up  as  to  the  sky, 

Then  sink  into  the  deep  again, 

Till  hope  refuses  to  remain ; 
They  stagger  like  a  drunken  man, 
And  find  they  no  relief  can  plan, 

For  all  their  wonted  skill  is  vain. 

Then  they  beseech  God  them  to  save, 

And  he  bestows  the  good  they  crave. 

He  calms  the  storm,  and  o'er  the  sea 

Far  round  them  spreads  tranquillity — 

a Si 


192         The   Psalms   in   Metee. 

Them  gladdens  till  each  joyful  sings, 
And  to  their  destined  haven  brings. 
0  let  them  God's  great  goodness  praise, 
And  glory  in  his  wondrous  ways ! 
Before  the  saints,  O  let  them  sing 
The  praises  of  their  God  and  King. 

He  rivers  turns  into  dry  ground, 
And  springs  in  deserts  bids  abound. 
A  fruitful  land  he  barren  makes, 

For  sins  which  were  committed  there; 
But  never  he  the  just  forsakes, 

But  for  them  doth  a  place  prepare, 
Where  they  may  fields  and  vineyards  own, 

Which  yield  a  plentiful  increase; 
There  makes  to  them  his  goodness  known, 

And  grants  to  the  obedient  peace. 
And  when  they  are  for  sins  brought  low, 

He  doth  contempt  on  princes  pour, 
And  makes  them  through  wild  deserts  go, 

But  raises  up  the  pious  poor, 
And  makes  their  families  increase, 
And  all  their  sad  afflictions  cease. 
This  with  great  joy  the  righteous  see ; 
While  silenced  is  iniquity. 
Whoso  is  wise,  let  him  observe, 
And  God  on  earth  devoutly  serve. 
3 


K ; ft 

The   Psalms    in    Meter.         193 
PSALM     CVIII. 

Exultation  in  God's  Goodness. 

NOW  strengthened  is  my  heart,  O  Lord ! 

I'll  roake  thy  mercies  known ; 
Awake,  my  soul !  my  harp,  awake ! 

I  will  awake  at  dawn. 
Among  the  nations  thee  I'll  praise, 

Amono-  the  kingdoms  sing; 
Thy  mercy  reaches  to  the  heavens, 

Thy  truth  the  clouds,  O  King ! 
And  now  in  thee  I  put  my  trust, 

Protect  me  in  thy  ways; 
Thy  name  above  the  heavens  exalt, 

Above  the  earth  thy  praise. 
Thy  promises  rejoice  my  heart, 

On  them  my  hope  I  stay ; 
The  tribes  around  shall  to  me  yield, 

And  own  my  rightful  sway. 
Who  will  me  lead  against  my  foes  I 

Bring  to  the  city  strong? 
Wilt  thou  not,  who  didst  us  forsake, 

For  deeds  unjust  and  wrong? 
O  aid  thou  us  in  our  distress ! 

For  help  of  man  is  vain ; 
Through  thee  we  shall  do  valiantly, 

And  soon  the  victory  gain. 

25 

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®— 83 

194        The   Psalms    in    Meter. 


PSALM    CIX. 

Invective  against  Enemies. 

BE  thou  not  silent,  O  my  God ! 

For  wicked  men  against  me  rise, 

And  such  as  take  delight  in  lies; 
Yea,  they  who  hate  me  spread  abroad, 
And  me  assault  on  every  side, 

Though  I  have  given  them  no  cause. 

My  virtues  move  not  their  applause; 
They  for  my  kindness  me  deride; 

They  curse  me  while  for  them  I  pray; 

My  love  with  bitter  hate  repay. 

O  God,  mine  adversary  see; 

For  counselor  at  his  right  hand 

Let  his  dire  foe  in  favor  stand, 
And  over  him  the  wicked  be. 
Let  condemnation  on  him  fall; 

His  very  prayer  account  a  crime; 

And  may  he  die  before  his  time ; 
And  beggars  be  his  children  all ! 
Let  creditors  his  substance  seize, 

And  none  to  mercy  be  inclined; 

No  pity  may  his  children  find  ; 
And  let  not  aught  thy  wrath  appease, 
* — —  fi 


The   Psalms    in   Meter.         195 

Until  thou  dost  his  name  erase, 

And  make  unknown  his  dwelling-place. 

His  ancestry's  misdeeds  repay, 

And  let  their  memory  decay; 
Because  he  did  no  pity  show, 
Nor  for  the  poor  compassion  know ; 

The  broken-hearted  sought  to  slay, 
And  cursing  loved.     O  let  it  fall 
On  him,  and  round  him  like  a  j)all 

Extend,  and  his  dread  clothing  be : 
Let  it  engirdle  him  around. 
Yea,  may  such  recompense  be  found, 

By  all  who  evil  speak  of  me ! 

Thus,  O  my  God,  take  thou  my  part ! 
In  trouble  do  not  me  forsake, 
But  guard  me  for  thy  own  name's  sake; 

For  great  in  mercy,  Lord,  thou  art. 
Now  I  am  brought  exceeding  low, 
Languid  in  poverty  and  woe; 

Within  me  bleeds  my  wounded  heart. 
I  am  ejected  like  a  pest; 
As  a  declining  shadow  waste; 
My  flesh  is  quite  consumed  away, 
While  frequently  I  fast  and  pray. 
My  enemies  do  me  revile, 
And  gazing,  shake  their  heads  the  while. 
£ 


196        The    Psalms    in    Meter. 

O  God,  give  them  to  understand 

That  in  this  is  thy  mighty  hand ; 

And  while  they  curse,  O  do  thou  bless ; 

Deliver  me  from  my  distress. 

When  they  rise  up,  put  them  to  shame ; 

Let  ignominy  blast  their  name, 

And  o'er  them  like  a  mantle  spread, 

Till  they  are  wholly  loathsome  made ! 

Then  I  will  gladly  thee  confess. 

And  in  the  congregation  bless; 

For  thou  dost  still  the  poor  defend — 

Of  justice  the  eternal  Mend. 

PSALM    CX. 

Regal  and  Sacerdotal  Powers  of  Christ 

UNTO  my  Lord  Jehovah  spake, 

"Sit  thou  at  my  right  hand, 
Till  I  thy  foes  thy  footstool  make ! " 

And  he  will  through  the  land, 
From  Zion  far  extend  thy  sway, 
Till  all  thy  foes  shall  thee  obey. 

And  ready  shall  thy  j3eople  be, 

Thy  kingly  power  to  own, 
When  they  thy  mighty  forces  see, 

And  thy  dread  power  is  known : 
— — g 


3 gj 

The    Psalms   in   Me  tee.         197 

Thy  young  men  shall  like  dew  spring  forth. 
Which  morning  spreads  o'er  all  the  earth. 

And  to  my  Lord  Jehoyah  swore, 

And  he  will  not  repent; 
"  Thou  art  a  priest  for  eyermore  !  " 

Thy  power  has  this  extent ; 
Not  only  o'er  mankind  to  reign, 
But  them  bring  back  to  God  again. 

Jehoyah  is  at  thy  right  hand ; 

Thou  shalt  thy  foes  subdue, 
Spread  righteousness  throughout  the  land, 

And  form  the  world  anew : 
For  thy  resourses  are  divine, 
And  power  omnipotent  is  thine. 

PSALM     CXI. 

A  Sacramental  Hymn. 

WITH  God's  people  joyful  sing, 
Praise  our  Saviour  and  our  King; 
Great  the  works  which  he  has  done, 
Glorious  is  every  one. 
But  his  other  wondrous  deeds 
Man's  redemption  far  exceeds ; 
Studied  by  the  hosts  above, 
Us  subduing  with  his  love. 

3 ^ 


®. h 

198  The   Psalms   in    Meter. 


Just  and  gracious,  Lord,  thou  art, 
Mercy  ready  to  inrpart ; 
Righteousness  is  now  secure, 
And  shall  evermore  endure; 
While  compassion  offers  grace 
To  our  fallen,  sinful  race : 
Love  and  justice  thus  combine ; 
Meet  in  harmony  divine. 

A  memorial  is  given 
Of  this  gracious  work  of  Heaven ; 
An  enduring,  sacred  rite, 
Us  to  strengthen  and  delight. 
All  who  come  with  heart  sincere, 
Are  of  God  fed  amply  here ; 
He  is  merciful  and  kind, 
Bears  his  covenant  in  mind. 

He  his  saints  has  favor  showed 
By  the  power  on  them  bestowed; 
He'll  to  them  the  world  subdue, 
And  in  righteousness  renew. 
Truth  and  justice  ever  stand, 
Safely  guarded  by  his  hand; 
Long  shall  his  commands  endure, 
And  his  covenant  is  sure. 

Yea,  redemption's  works  shall  last, 
When  the  things  of  time  are  past ; 


61 


The    Psalms    in    Me  tee.         199 

For  he  ever  is  the  same, 
Holy  and  revered  his  name. 
Wisdom  in  his  fear  begins, 
Who  atoned  for  all  our  sins ; 
Hence  now  sing  his  worthy  praise — 
It  shall  last  through  endless  days. 

PSALM    CXII. 

Prosperity  of  the  Righteous. 

PRAISE  ye  the  Lord !  for  he  doth  bless 
Him  who  delights  in  righteousness; 
Prosperity  shall  him  attend, 
And  to  his  children  long  descend. 

In  darkness  light  to  him  shall  rise, 
For  he  doth  liberal  things  devise; 
Compassion  reigns  within  his  breast, 
And  sympathy  for  the  distressed. 

When  he  in  judgment  is  arraigned, 
His  cause  is  fully  then  sustained; 
He  ever  will  remembered  be, 
Receiving  favors  rich  and  free. 

He  need  not  evil  tidings  fear, 
For  G-od,  protecting  him,  is  near; 
He  freely  to  the  needy  gives, 
And  in  great  peace  and  honor  lives. 


200         The  Psalms  in   Me  tee. 

The  wicked  with  vexation  see 
His  undisturbed  prosperity; 
Until  they  at  the  last  expire, 
Deprived  through  life  of  their  desire. 

PSALM     CXIII. 

Praise  ye  the  Lord. 

PRAISE  ye  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  saints ! 

Praise  him  for  evermore ! 
From  the  rising  to  the  setting  *sun 

His  holy  name  adore. 

The  nations  all  his  subjects  are; 

He  reigns  above  the  sky; 
Who  is  like  to  the  Lord  our  God 

In  his  abode  on  high  ? 

With  condescension  he  stoops  down, 
While  splendors  round  him  glow, 

To  see  what  passes  in  the  heavens, 
And  on  the  earth  below. 

The  poor  he  raises  from  the  dust 

By  his  controlling  hand; 
And  gives  an  honored  place  among 

The  princes  of  the  land. 

$ __ — __  m 


£ — 8 

The    Psalms    in    Me  tee.         201 

The  house  he  blesses  of  the  just, 

And  grants  a  rich  reward: 
Of  all  his  mercies  joyful  sing ! 

Again  praise  ye  the  Lord! 

PSALM    CXIV. 

Israel  cbming  out  of  Egypt 

WHEN  God  did  Israel  redeem, 

And  out  of  Egypt  take, 
Where  they  had  with  a  people  dwelt, 

Who  a  strange  language  spake, 
His  sanctuary  Jacob  was, 

And  Israel  his  realm: 
The  sea  beheld,  and  frightened  fled; 

It  would  not  them  o'erwhelm. 
And  Jordan,  too,  turned  swiftly  back — 

Would  not  obstruct  their  way; 
The  mountains  leaped  out  of  their  place, 

The  hills  like  lambs  at  play. 

What  ailed  thee,  O  thou  mighty  sea, 
That  still  thou  didst  not  lay? 

And  Jordan,  that  thou  turnedst  back 
When  in  the  people's  way  ? 

And  mountains,  that  ye  leaped  about, 
And  hills,  like  lambs  at  play? 

26 
^ , g 


$ B 

202        The    Psalms    in   Meter. 

Tremble,  O  earth,  before  the  Lord! 

Ye  nations,  be  afraid ! 
He  turned  the  rock  into  a  lake, 

The  flint  a  fountain  made. 

PSALM    CXY. 

The  Lord  in  Contrast  with  Idols. 

NOT  unto  man,  but  unto  God, 

Ye  people,  honor  pay ; 
For  his  great  mercy  and  truth's  sake, 

Why  should  the  nations  say, 
Where  is  their  God? 

Our  God  is  in  the  heavens  above, 
And  all  the  world  commands; 

Their  idols  gold  and  silver  are, 
The  work  of  human  hands : 
They  are  not  God. 

Their  eyes  see  not,  nor  hear  their  ears, 
Nor  mouths  have  power  to  talk; 

They  noses,  hands,  and  feet  possess: 
But  smell,  handle,  and  walk, 
They  cannot  do. 

They  who  make  them,  and  in  them  trust, 


Are  like  them,  false  and  vain ; 


8 


® 

The   Psalms   in   Meter.  203 

O  Israel,  trust  in  the  Lord  ! 
He  will  our  rights  maintain : 
He  is  our  shield. 

O  house  of  Aaron,  trust  the  Lord ! 

And  ye  who  fear  his  name  ! 
He  will  be  mindful  of  us  still, 

And  guard  from  woe  and  shame: 
On  him  rely. 

The  house  of  Israel  he'll  help, 

The  house  of  Aaron  bless ; 
And  all  who  fear  his  holy  name 

Shall  good  on  earth  possess; 
Both  small  and  great. 

You  and  your  children  he'll  increase, 
And  bless  you  more  and  more: 

The  Lord  for  his  great  mercies  j)raise; 
Supremely  him  adore 

Who  all  things  made ! 

The  highest  heaven  is  the  Lord's, 

The  earth  to  man  he  gave; 
The  dead  cannot  praise  offer  him; 
They  who  lie  in  the  grave 
Silent  remain. 
& s 


3 , 

204         The  Psalms   in   Metee. 

But  we,  the  people  of  his  choice, 
And  favored  ones  on  earth, 

Will  serve  the  Lord,  and  bless  his  name, 
Even  from  this  time  forth : 
Praise  ye  the  Lord ! 

PSALM    CXVI. 

PAET   I. 

On  Trusting  God  when  in  Distress. 

I  EST  the  Lord  my  God  rejoice, 
Who  doth  my  prayer  receive ; 

And  will  call  on  his  holy  name 
While  on  the  earth  I  live. 

The  snares  of  death  encompassed  me, 
And  pains  tormenting  seized ; 

Then  on  the  Lord  in  prayer  I  called, 
And  he  to  hear  was  pleased. 

The  Lord  is  merciful  and  kind, 

Ready  his  saints  to  bless; 
He  me  preserved  in  danger's  hour, 

And  helped  me  in  distress. 

Return  unto  thy  rest,  my  soul ! 
The  voice  of  prayer  he  hears ; 
He  me  preserved  from  threatened  death, 
And  kept  mine  eye  from  tears. 
® 


The    Psalms    in    Me  tee.        205 

He  made  me  in  his  grace  stand  firm, 

And  in  his  truth  remain; 
For  in  my  deep  distress  I  said, 

"  All  human  trust  is  vain." 


PART   II. 

Hymn  for  Social  Worship. 

WHAT  shall  I  render  to  the  Lord 

For  all  his  gifts  to  me  \ 
I  will  the  cup  of  salvation  take, 

And  call,  O  God,  on  thee. 

Yea,  now  the  vows  which  I  have  made 

I  to  the  Lord  will  pay; 
And  in  the  presence  of  his  saints 

Will  sing,  and  speak,  and  pray. 

In  all  his  pious  worshipers, 

God  ever  takes  delight ; 
He  watches  o'er  them,  and  their  life 

Is  precious  in  his  sight. 

Hear  now  my  earnest  prayer,  O  Lord ! 

For  I  belong  to  thee; 
Thou  hast  loosed  all  the  bonds  of  sin, 

And  kindly  set  me  free. 

5 g 


a 

206        The    Psalms    in    Meter. 

Hence  thee  I  will  devoutly  praise, 
Who  dost  such  grace  afford; 

Yea,  in  thy  courts  I'll  raise  my  voice — 
Praise  ye,  O  praise,  the  Lord ! 


PSALM    CXYII. 

A  Psalm  of  Praise. 

YE  nations,  praise  the  Lord, 

His  holy  name  confess ; 
Ye  people,  all  with  one  accord 

Your  God  devoutly  bless ! 

For  he  toward  us  is  kind, 

While  truth  gives  to  his  word 

Th'  unchanging  impress  of  his  mind- 
Praise  ye,  O  praise  the  Lord ! 


PSALM    CXVIII. 

PART   I. 

Confidence  in  the  Divine  Protection. 

GIVE  thanks  to  God,  for  he  is  good, 

His  promises  are  sure; 
"For  ever,"  let  all  people  say, 

"His  goodness  shall  endure." 
s 


® . g 

The   Psalms   in   Metee.  207 

I  called  upon  him  in  distress, 

And  he  deliv'rance  gave; 
Yea,  he  is  my  abiding  friend, 

And  me  delights  to  save. 

He  is  the  helper  of  his  saints, 
And  doth  for  them  provide; 

Better  it  is  in  him  to  trust, 
Than  in  mere  man  confide. 

The  nations  all  against  me  rise, 

Like  bees  encompass  me ; 
Them  in  God's  name  will  I  destroy ! 

They  shall  his  terrors  see ! 


paet  n. 

Praise  after   Victory. 

MY  foes  assailed  me,  bnt  were  slain; 

God  did  me  favor  show; 
He  is  my  glory  and  my  song — 

I  him  salvation  owe. 

Hence  in  the  temples  of  his  saints 

These  words  of  praise  shall  be  : 
"  Exalted  is  the  Lord's  right  hand  ! 

It  doeth  valiantly!" 

£ 


208        The    Psalms    in   Metee. 

And  now  I  know  I  shall  not  die, 
But  live  God's  works  to  show; 

For  though  he  sorely  chastened  me, 
He  stayed  death's  fatal  blow. 

Open  the  gates  of  righteousness, 

That  I  may  enter  in ; 
Then  fervent  praise  will  I  address 

To  Hini  who  saves  from  sin. 


paet  m. 

Christ  the  Corner-Stone. 

HE  now  is  made  the  corner-stone 

The  builders  did  despise: 
This  is  the  mighty  work  of  God, 

And  wondrous  in  our  eyes. 

And  this  is  God's  appointed  day; 

O  let  us  joyful  be ; 
And  with  united  voices  pray, 

"Lord,  send  prosperity." 

Blessed  be  our  Rock,  the  mighty  One, 
Who  from  God's  presence  came ! 

Him  in  his  house  let  us  adore, 
And  bless  his  sacred  name. 

a i 


® a 

The   Psalms    ix   Meter.         209 

Jehovah  light  has  on  us  shed; 

Bind  ye  the  sacrifice, 
That  the  atonement  may  be  made — 

Be  paid  redemption's  price. 

Praise  now  I  offer.  Lord,  to  thee : 

Thou  righteous  art  and  pure; 
And  changeless  to  eternity, 

Thy  goodness  shall  endure. 

PSALM    CXIX- 

PART   I. 

The  Righteous  greatly  Blessed. 

HAPPY  are  they  whose  ways  are  pure, 

Nor  from  God's  laws  depart ; 
Who  all  his  ordinances  keep 

In  singleness  of  heart. 

With  care  they  shun  iniquity, 

Obeying  his  command ; 
And  ever  speak  and  do  as  they 

His  precepts  understand. 

O  Lord,  thou  art  my  guide !  to  keep 

Thy  statutes  me  direct ; 
For  only  can  I  shame  avoid 

When  I  thy  laws  respect. 

27 
& 


SI H 

210        The    Psalms   in    Meter. 

But  with  full  heart  I  can  thee  praise, 
Whose  law  my  guide  I  make; 

Help  me  to  keep  thy  statutes  then, 
And  never  me  forsake. 


PART   II. 

Means  of  Moral  Purity. 

HOW  shall  a  young  man  keep  his  way 

Pure  from  polluting  stain? 
By  taking  proper  heed  to  it, 

As  in  thy  word  made  plain. 

With  my  whole  heart  I  sought  thee,  Lord ; 

May  I  not  go  astray ; 
But  thy  word  treasure  in  my  heart, 

Lest  thee  I  disobey. 

Bless'd  be  thy  great  and  holy  name  ! 

Thou  wilt  me  knowledge  give; 
So  shall  my  lips  the  truths  proclaim 

I  from  thy  mouth  receive. 

Thine  ordinances  greater  joy 

Than  riches  do  afford ; 
Hence  in  them  seek  I  my  delight, 

And  treasure  up  thy  word. 

gg . 


8 55 

The   Psalms    in   Metee.         211 


PAET    III. 

The  Courage  of  the  Righteous. 

DEAL  kindly  with  thy  servant,  Lord; 

In  thy  law  make  me  wise : 
That  I  deep  things  in  it  may  see, 

0  open  thou  mine  eyes  ! 

I  am  a  pilgrim  on  the  earth ; 

Hide  not  thy  truths  from  me; 
For  I  had  fainted,  but  for  hope 

That  I  thy  law  should  see. 

Thou  dost  rebuke  the  vainly  proud 
Who  from  thy  precepts  stray; 

But  that  I  may  their  shame  avoid, 
Me  in  thy  statutes  stay. 

Though  princes  should  against  it  speak, 

1  will  thy  law  receive: 
Thine  ordinances  me  delight, 

And  counsel  to  me  give. 

paet  rv. 

Prayer  for  Divine  Aid. 

MY  soul  is  bow'd  down  to  the  dust ; 
According  to  thy  word, 

a- s 


H si 

212         The   Psalms   in   Metek. 

Revive  tliou  me !     Thy  truth  I've  taught, 
And  thou,  0  Lord,  hast  heard. 

Help  me  to  see  the  righteous  way ; 

Thy  works  should  give  me  hope : 
As  thou  hast  promised  in  thy  word, 

From  trouble  lift  me  up. 

From  error's  way  my  feet  remove; 

Thy  law  to  me  make  known ; 
For  I  prefer  the  way  of  truth : 

Be  it  my  guide  alone. 

I  to  thine  ordinances  cleave; 

Protect  from  shameful  charge: 
Secure  in  duty's  path  I'll  run 

If  thou  my  heart  enlarge. 

paet  v. 

Piety  Better  than  Wealth. 

TEACH  me,  O  Lord,  the  way  of  truth, 

Lest  from  it  I  depart; 
Give  me  to  understand  thy  law, 

And  keep  it  near  my  heart. 

In  thy  commandments  lead  me  forth, 
My  joy  may  they  remain; 

5 _S 


jg . — 

The   Psalms   in   Metee.  213 

And  to  thy  ways  incline  my  heart, 
More  than  to  love  of  gain. 

From  vanity  turn  thou  mine  eyes, 

Me  quicken  in  thy  way; 
Fulfill  thy  faithful  promises, 

For  I  do  thee  obey. 

Turn  the  reproach  I  fear  away; 

Thy  statutes  all  are  right; 
With  eagerness  I  long  for  them ; 

May  they  my  soul  delight. 

PAET  VI. 

The  Safety  of  Obedience. 

O  LOKD,  thy  mercies  grant  to  me 

According  to  thy  word, 
That  I  may  answer  give  with  ease 

To  censures  I  have  heard. 

Kemove  not  from  my  mouth  thy  word, 

For  in  it  is  my  trust; 
So  shall  I  "keep,  without  offense, 

Thy  law,  forever  just. 

Thou  wilt  make  safe  and  sure  my  path, 
For  I  thy  precepts  seek ; 

(g i 


, gj 

214        The    Psalms    in    Metee. 

Then  I  to  nobles  shall  not  fear 
Thy  precious  word  to  speak. 

Now  thy  commandments,  which  I  love, 

With  joy  my  soul  elate ; 
I  all  thy  precepts  long  to  know, 

And  in  them  meditate. 

PAET  VII. 

Delight  in  God's  Law. 

REMEMBER,  Lord,  thy  promises, 

For  they  are  now  my  hope; 
They  in  affliction  comfort  give, 

And  lift  my  spirit  up. 

The  proud  me  in  derision  have, 

Yet  to  thy  law  I  cling; 
I  think  of  all  thy  judgments  past, 

And  of  thy  mercies  sing. 

Within  me  indignation  burns, 
When  vice  my  thoughts  engage; 

Thy  statutes  are  my  joyful  song 
Through  all  my  pilgrimage. 

At  night,  while  thinking  of  thy  name, 

More  dear  to  me  than  sleep, 
It  doth  afford  me  comfort  great, 
That  I  thy  precepts  keep. 
5 s 


The   Psalms   in   Metee.         215 


paet  Yin. 

Constancy  of  the  Righteous. 

THOU  art  my  portion,  O  my  God; 

I  in  thy  law  am  staid; 
And  I  in  prayer  the  promise  plead 

Which  thou  to  me  hast  made. 

I  meditate  on  all  thy  ways, 

Turn  to  thy  laws  my  feet, 
And  haste  thy  just  commands  to  keep, 

Thy  righteous  claims  to  meet. 

Though    snares    the    wicked    round    me 
spread, 

I  cling  still  to  thy  cause; 
Yea,  rise  at  midnight  thee  to  praise 

For  all  thy  righteous  laws. 

They  my  companions  are  who  fear 

The  Lord  to  disobey  : 
The  earth  is  of  thy  goodness  full ; 

Teach  me  thy  righteous  way. 

PAET     IX. 

The  Use  of  Afflictions. 

O  LORD,  thou  dost  thy  servant  bless, 
As  thou  hast  promise  made; 
i j 


_ -® 

216        The   Psalms   in   Meter. 

Sound  knowledge  teach  me,  for  my  faith 
Upon  thy  word  is  stayed. 

Before  affliction  on  me  came, 

Oft-times  I  went  astray; 
But  good  are  all  thy  dealings,  Lord; 

Hence  I  would  thee  obey. 

Though  lies  the  proud  against  me  forge, 

I  turn  not  from  the  right ; 
Their  heart  is  wholly  void  of  sense ; 

I,  in  thy  law  delight ! 

Afflictions  are  in  mercy  sent ; 

They  thy  just  ways  unfold ; 
And  better  is  thy  law  to  me 

Than  richest  stores  of  gold. 

part  x. 

God's  Judgments  Just. 

I  AM  the  creature  of  thy  hands; 

Teach  me  thy  precepts  just, 
That  they  who  see  me  may  rejoice; 

For  in  thy  word  I  trust. 

I  know  thy  judgments  all  are  right ; 

Thou  dost  afflict  for  good ; 
Thy  loving-kindness  grant  me  now, 

According  to  thy  word. 


®- 


85- — — ; BS 

The    Psalms    in    Meter.         217 

Tliy  mercies  cause  me  now  to  live; 

Thy  law  is  my  delight: 
Confound  and  put  to  shame  the  proud, 

But  guide  my  thoughts  aright. 

Let  them  who  fear  thee  come  to  me, 
That  they  thy  laws  may  learn; 

My  heart  make  perfect  in  thy  word, 
Lest  shame  my  cheek  should  burn. 

PAET   XI. 

Trust  in  God's  Providence. 

MY  soul  for  thy  salvation  longs ; 

O  Lord,  I  trust  in  thee; 
I  ever  to  thy  promise  look, 

Wilt  thou  not  comfort  me? 

Though  loathsome  by  affliction  made, 

I'm  not  from  thee  estranged; 
And  may  I  not,  by  thy  dread  power, 

Be  of  my  foes  avenged  ? 

They  who  do  not  regard  thy  law 

Lay  schemes  me  to  ensnare, 
But  true  and  faithful  is  thy  word — 

On  thee  I  cast  my  care. 

28 

m — - 


8  5? 

218         The  Psalms  in  Metee. 

And  though  they  me  almost  destroyed, 
Yet  me  this  did  not  move ; 

0  strengthen  me  to  keep  thy  law, 
According  to  thy  love. 

PAET   XII. 

Perfection  of  God's  Law. 

FOREVER,  Lord,  thy  word  abides, 

Fixed  as  the  heavens  secure; 
Thy  faithfulness  from  age  to  age 

Shall  as  the  earth  endure. 

Thy  mighty  works  secure  remain, 

They  subject  are  to  thee; 
But  I  had  perished,  had  thy  law 

Not  been  support  to  me. 

1  ne'er  thy  precepts  will  forget, 
For  they  my  soul  revive; 

O  help  me  now,  for  I  am  thine; 
To  me  thy  precepts  give. 

For  me  the  wicked  lie  in  wait; 

Still  is  my  trust  in  God; 
Though  no  perfection  earth  affords, 

Thy  law's  exceeding  broad ! 

8 


ft 

The   Psalms   in   Meter.         219 


PAET   XIII. 

God's  Law  makes  Wise. 

THY  holy  law,  0  Lord,  I  love, 

And  study  all  the  day; 
It  raises  me  my  foes  above — 

I  wiser  am  than  they. 

Having  thine  ordinances  learned, 

My  teachers  I  excel; 
Less  wise  the  ancients  were  than  I, 

Nor  knew  thy  law  as  well. 

That  I  might  rightly  keep  thy  word, 

I  have  from  evil  fled; 
Yea,  I  depart  not  from  thy  law, 

But  by  it  still  am  led. 

I  love  thy  gracious  words,  O  Lord; 

Sweet  to  my  taste  are  they; 
I  from  thy  precepts  wisdom  learn, 

Lest  I  should  go  astray. 

paet  xrv. 

A  Light  to  our  Path. 

A  LAMP  thy  word  is  to  my  feet, 
And  to  my  path  a  light ; 

And  I  my  fervent  vows  will  keep, 
It  to  observe  aright. 


SI 


220         The   Psalms   in    Metee. 

Yet  sad  afflictions  on  me  press — 

O  Lord,  my  soul  revive ! 
Accept  the  offerings  of  my  mouth, 

And  me  instruction  give. 

My  life  is  ever  in  my  hand, 

Dread  snares  beset  my  way; 
Yet  will  I  not  forget  thy  law, 

Nor  from  thy  precepts  stray. 

Thy  ordinances  are  my  wealth, 

And  comfort  of  my  heart ; 
And  while  my  earthly  being  lasts 

I'll  not  from  thee  depart. 

PAET  xv. 

Pious  Regard  for  God 's  Law. 

I  HATE  vain  thoughts  and  impious  men, 

While  thy  just  law  I  love ; 
Thou  art  my  shield  and  hiding-place ; 

I  shall  thy  goodness  prove. 

Ye  evil-doers,  get  ye  hence ! 

I  will  God's  law  obey ; 
But  lest  my  hope  make  me  ashamed, 

Uphold  me  in  thy  way. 

If  thy  just  statutes  I  respect, 
I  shall  secure  remain ; 

0 


© : $ 

The  Psalms   in  Meter.         221 

But  they  shall  perish  who  turn  back, 
For  their  deceit  is  vain. 

To  thee  the  wicked  are  as  dross, 

Hence  I  thy  laws  revere; 
I  in  thy  presence  stand  with  awe, 

And  thy  dread  judgments  fear. 

PAET  XVI. 

Waiting  for  GocVs  Blessing. 

TO  mine  oppressors  yield  me  not, 

For  I  thy  laws  respect; 
Let  not  the  proud  o'er  me  prevail, 

But  from  my  foes  protect. 

Mine  eyes  fail  while  to  thee  I  look, 

And  for  thy  promise  wait; 
Thy  statutes  teach  me,  Lord;  nor  yield 

Me  to  a  cruel  fate. 

I  would  thy  statutes  understand; 

Me  toward  them  ever  draw; 
It  now  is  time  for  thee  to  act, 

For  men  make  void  thy  law. 

But  I  thy  just  commandments  love 

More  than  the  finest  gold. 
In  all  things  I  regard  them  right, 

Nor  vice  would  I  behold. 

& _ 


_ $ 

222        The    Psalms   in   Me  tee. 


paet  XVII. 

God's  Law  a  Vast  Beep. 

THY  laws  amazing  depths  display, 

Hence  I  observe  them  still; 
The  entrance  of  thy  word  gives  light, 

It  teaches  lis  thy  will. 

For  thy  commandments,  Lord,  I  pant ; 

Thy  promises  I  claim; 
For  thou  hast  ever  gracious  been 

To  them  who  love  thy  name. 

To  thee  my  footsteps  kindly  draw, 

That  I  secure  may  stand; 
From  all  oppression  set  me  free, 

And  in  thy  ways  command. 

Me,  by  thy  cheering  light  divine, 

Wise  in  thy  statutes  make ; 
For  I  am  grieved  that  sinful  men 

Cease  not  thy  law  to  break. 

paet  xvni. 

God's  Law  Just  and  True. 

O  LORD,  thou  righteous  art  and  true, 

And  just  are  all  thy  laws ; 
Thine  ordinances  all  are  good — 

Thine  is  a  holy  cause. 

8 


The   Psalms   in   Meter.  223 

Because  my  foes  forget  thy  law, 

I  am  consumed  of  zeal ; 
For  thy  word,  holy,  just,  and  good, 

Intensest  love  I  feel. 

I  am  of  low  and  mean  estate, 

And  thee  regard  with  awe ; 
For  perfect  righteousness  is  thine, 

And  true  thy  sacred  law. 

While  fearful  troubles  me  assail, 

Thy  law  is  my  delight ; 
In  it  me  understanding  give, 

For  safety  is  in  right. 


PAET   XIX. 

Longing  for   God's  Lav:. 

MY  prayers  for  strength  to  know  thy  law, 

0  Lord,  be  pleased  to  hear; 
To  thee  I  for  salvation  cry, 

Incline  to  me  thine  ear. 

Oft  ere  the  morning  dawns,  in  prayer 

1  for  thy  promise  wait ; 
Yea,  the  night-watches,  for  calm  thought, 

Mine  eyes  anticipate. 
3 S 


224         The  Psalms   in   Metee. 

In  loving-kindness  me  renew, 
And  to  my  prayer  attend; 

Lo,  they  who  hate  me  now  are  near — 
Me  from  the  proud  defend. 

Thou  nearer  art  than  they,  O  Lord ; 

Thy  promises  are  sure; 
The  ordinances  of  thy  house 

Shall  evermore  endure. 


PART  xx. 

Grief  for  Others'  Disobedience. 

I  DO  not,  Lord,  thy  law  forget 

In  sad  affliction's  hour ; 
As  thou  hast  promised,  me  revive, 

And  save  me  by  thy  power. 

The  wicked  shall  no  safety  find, 
For  they  thy  statutes  break; 

But  kindly  thou  wilt  me  revive, 
For  thine  own  justice'  sake. 

Many  and  cruel  are  my  foes, 

Yet  I  thy  laws  obey ; 
And  I  am  filled  with  wasting  grief 

When  others  go  astray. 


K 


S _ ® 

The    Psalms    i^    Meter.        225 

O  yes,  I  love  thy  precepts,  Lord ; 

Let  grace  niy  strength  renew; 
Thy  statutes  ever  shall  endure, 

For  they  are  just  and  true. 


PART    XXI. 

God  Praised  for  his  Law. 

PRINCES  oppose,  yet  I  thy  word 

Regard  with  awe  profound; 
In  it  my  heart  rejoices,  too, 

As  one  great  spoils  has  found. 

Lying  I  hate,  but  love  the  law 
To  man  revealed  from  heaven; 

And  seven  times  a  day  I'll  praise 
Thee  for  thy  statutes  given. 

Great  peace  have  they  who  love  thy  law, 

They  shall  securely  stand; 
And  hence  I  wait  on  thee,  and  do 

As  thou  dost  me  command. 

Thine  ordinances  I  observe; 

They  all  to  me  are  dear; 
Thy  holy  precepts  I  obey, 

And  walk  with  thee  sincere. 

29 
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— ® 

226        The    Psalms    in   Meter. 


part   XXII. 

God's  Law  our  Happiness. 

NOW  let  my  prayer  before  thee  come, 

Thy  promised  blessing  give; 
I  supplication  make  to  thee, 

Let  me  thy  grace  receive. 

When  thou  dost  teach  thy  law  to  me, 
My  lips  pour  forth  thy  praise; 

My  tongue,  too,  of  thy  word  shall  sing, 
While  I  walk  in  thy  ways. 

Now  let  thy  hand  afford  me  help ; 

Thy  law  my  choice  is  made; 
And  it  shall  ever  me  delight : 

Grant  me  thy  saving  aid. 

O  let  me  live  thy  name  to  praise ! 

Thy  judgments  me  sustain  ; 
Sought  when  astray,  T  thee  will  love, 

Nor  break  thy  laws  again. 

PSALM    CXX. 

Complaints  concerning  Enemies. 

DISTRESS'D,  O  Lord,  on  thee  I  call; 
Do  thou  an  answer  send; 
5 1 


. — & 

The   Psalms    iir   Meter.         227 

And  now  from  falsehood  and  deceit 
Me  graciously  defend. 

What  profit,  wicked  man,  on  thee 

Will  thy  false  tongue  confer, 
Though  like  sharp  arrows  of  the  strong, 

And  coals  of  juniper  \ 

Alas  for  me,  that  I  sojourn 

Amid  deceitful  foes ! 
While  I  would  be  on  friendly  terms, 

They  fiercely  peace  oppose. 

PSALM    CXXI. 

Confidence,  in  Divine  Protection. 

UP  to  the  hills  where  God  resides, 
By  whom  all  things  were  made, 

I  lift  mine  eyes  in  fervent  prayer, 
And  seek  his  saving  aid. 

Lest  I  should  fall,  or  from  him  stray, 

Me  he  will  safely  keep; 
For  the  Protector  of  his  saints 

Needs  neither  rest  or  sleep. 

He  is  their  shade  at  their  right  hand, 

And  doth  in  them  delight ; 
The  sun  shall  not  them  smite  by  day, 

Neither  the  moon  by  night. 
i g 


228        The    Psalms    in    Meter. 

In  all  the  various  ills  of  life, 
Them  still  his  care  is  o'er; 

Their  going  out  and  coming  in 
He  watches  evermore. 


PSALM    CXXII. 

Pray  for  the  Peace  of  Zion. 

I  WAS  glad  to  hear  them  say, 

Let  us  to  God's  house  repair; 
Here  I  would  for  ever  stay, 

And  engage  in  praise  and  prayer. 

Built  by  the  Almighty's  hand, 

Zion  stands  secure  and  strong; 
And  the  saints  in  every  land 

To  it  come  with  joyful  song. 

Here  is  heard  th'  unyielding  law, 
And  the  words  of  Gospel  grace ; 

While  the  judgment  throne  with  awe 
Fills  this  solemn,  sacred  place. 

For  the  peace  of  Zion  pray ! 

May  they  prosper  who  love  thee ! 
Let  the  saints  united  say, 

"  With  thee  be  prosperity ! " 
, » 


The    Psalms    in    Metee.        229 

Now  I  for  rny  brethren's  sake 

Say,  "  Within  thee  be  there  peace ! 

Thee  may  God  still  stronger  make — 
Ever  let  thy  joys  increase  !  " 

PSALM    CXXIII. 

Prayer  for  Divine  Mercy. 

WE  look  to  him  who  dwells  on  high; 

No  other  help  have  we; 
As  servants  to  their  masters  look, 

So,  Lord,  we  look  to  thee. 

And  thus  we  ever  will  look  up 

Till  thou  thy  blessing  send; 
In  pity  now  look  down  on  us, 

And  to  out1  prayers  attend. 

On  us  have  mercy,  O  our  God, 

For  sorrow  us  o'erflows ; 
We  sink  beneath  the  insolence 

Of  our  reproachful  foes. 

PSALM    CXXIV. 

Exultation  in  God's  Goodness. 

HAD  God  not  been  with  us, 

Now  may  his  people  say, 
We  to  our  cruel  enemies 

Had  been  an  easy  prey. 
i _ ^ 


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230        The  Psalms   in   Meter. 

Round  us  the  waters  rose, 

And  over  us  bad  passed 
Had  not  our  God  their  rage  withstood, 

And  firmly  held  them  fast. 

Blessed  be  the  Lord  who  did 

For  us  thus  interpose; 
So  that,  as  from  the  fowler's  snare, 

We  have  escaped  our  foes. 

The  snare  was  broken  soon, 

For  God  gave  us  his  aid — 
Jehovah  is  our  faithful  friend, 

By  whom  all  things  were  made. 


PSALM    CXXV. 

Their  Safety  who  Trust  in  God. 

THEY  who  trust  in  the  Lord 

Shall  like  Mount  Zion  be; 
Which  naught  can  move,  but  stands  secure 

As  God's  eternity. 

As  round  Jerusalem 

The  mountains  firmly  stand, 
So  ever  God  surrounds  his  saints, 

And  guards  them  with  his  hand. 


The    Psalms    ix    Me  tee.        231 

On  us  he'll  not  allow 

The  wicked  to  aggress ; 
Lest  any  of  his  yielding  saints 

Should  learn  their  wickedness. 

O  Lord,  to  them  do  good 

Who  upright  are  in  heart ! 
Among  us  let  all  wavering  cease, 

And  grace  to  all  impart. 


PSALM    CXXVI. 

Tlie  Captive's  Rttv.rn. 

WHEN  God  brought  back  his  captives, 
We  were  like  them  that  clreara ; 

Our  mouths  he  filled  with  laughter, 
Salvation  was  our  theme. 

And  then  said  all  the  nations, 
"  God  doth  them  greatly  bless  ! " 

Yea,  God  has  blessed  us  greatly, 
We  joyfully  confess. 

O  bring  back  all  our  captives, 

Like  streams  in  a  dry  land  ! 
May  they  who  sowed  in  sorrow 

Reap  with  a  joyful  hand. 
$ 


232        The    Psalms    iist   Meter. 

Sure,  he  who  goes  forth  weeping, 
With  precious  seed  to  sow, 

Shall  come  again  rejoicing. 
With  many  sheaves  to  show. 

PSALM    CXXVII. 

God's  Blessing  Necessary  to  Prosperity. 

EXCEPT  God  build  the  house, 
It  will  unbuilt  remain; 

Except  the  city  God  shall  guard, 
The  watchmen  wake  in  vain. 

In  vain  ye  daily  toil, 

And  eat  the  bread  of  care ; 

God  his  beloved  gives  in  sleep 
The  wealth  ye  fain  would  share. 

Children  are  gifts  from  God; 

Bless'd  they  who  them  receive  ! 
As  arrows  in  a  warrior's  hand, 

They  power  to  parents  give. 

Whose  quiver  's  full  of  them 
He  has  great  cause  for  joy; 

He  never  can  be  put  to  shame, 
But  shall  his  foes  destroy. 


8 

The   Psalms    in   Meter.         233 
PSALM    CXXVIII. 

T/ie  Advantages  of  Piety. 

HAPPY  is  lie  who  fears  the  Lord, 
And  walks  in  wisdom's  ways ; 

The  fruit  he  of  his  toil  shall  eat, 
And  prosper  all  his  days. 

His  cheerful  wife  within  his  house 

A  fruitful  vine  shall  be; 
His  children  round  his  table  sit, 

Like  the  spreading  olive  tree. 

Behold !  thus  happy  is  the  man 

Who  doth  God  truly  fear; 
God  out  of  Zion  blesses  him, 

And  bends  his  prayer  to  hear. 

He  shall  through  all  his  days  behold 

Zion's  prosperity; 
Yea,  with  long  life  he  shall  be  blessed, 

And  children's  children  see. 

PSALM    CXXIX. 

Acknowledgment  of  God's  Mercies. 

NOW  Israel  may  say, 

My  foes  have  me  assail'd, 
From  early  youth  until  this  hour; 
But  they  have  not  prevail'd. 

30 


55 ® 

234        The    Psalms    in    Metee. 

The  plowers  plowed  my  back, 
And  there  long  furrows  made ; 

But  God  in  my  behalf  appeared, 
And  their  designs  forbade. 

Let  them  who  Zion  hate 

Fall  to  their  foes  a  prey ! 
Or  be  like  grass  on  the  house  top, 

Which  withers  soon  away. 

Nor  let  the  passers  by 

Kind  wish  for  them  express ; 

Nor  to  them,  as  to  others,  say, 
"  You  may  God  greatly  bless  ! " 

PSALM    CXXX. 

Prayer  for  Forgiveness. 

OUT  of  deep  waters,  O  my  God, 

To  thee  in  prayer  I  cry ! 
My  earnest  supplication  hear, 

Save  me  from  evils  nigh. 

If  thou  didst  treasure  up  our  sins, 
Who  could  to  thee  draw  near? 

But  now  forgiveness  is  with  thee, 
That  we  thy  Name  may  fear. 

Thou  art  my  trust;  guarded  by  thee, 
I  should  all  danger  scorn; 

a 


« « g 

The   Psalms   in   Metee.  235 


And  now  for  thee  longs  more  my  soul, 
Than  watchmen  for  the  morn. 

O  Israel,  trust  in  the  Lord, 

Both  merciful  and  just ; 
With  him  there  full  redemption  is 

For  all  who  in  him  trust. 


PSALM    CXXXI. 

Humility  and  Contentment. 

NOT  haughty  is  my  heart,  0  Lord, 

Nor  lofty  are  mine  eyes ; 
To  naught  too  great  or  high  for  me 

Does  my  ambition  rise. 
Yea,  I  have  now  my  mind  composed, 

And  quieted  to  rest; 
So  that  my  soul  is  like  a  child, 

Weaned  from  its  mother's  breast. 
O  Israel,  trust  in  the  Lord! 

For  they  who  trust  are  blessed. 

PSALM     CXXXII. 

Prayer  at  the  Dedication  of  the  Temple. 

EEMEMBER  David,  O  my  God, 
In  his  affliction  sore! 

® — S3 


'- ® 

I. 

236        The    Psalms    in    Meter. 

How  that  lie  made  a  solemn  vow, 

And  to  Jehovah  swore : 
"I  will  not  go  into  my  house, 

And  quiet  give  my  mind, 
Nor  even  take  repose  in  sleep, 

Till  him  a  place  I  find." 
We've  heard  or  seen  how  that  the  ark 

Was  moved  from  place  to  place; 
But  let  us  now  before  it  come — 

Approach  the  throne  of  grace. 

Arise  into  thy  rest,  O  Lord, 

Thou  and  thy  ark  of  power ! 
Be  thy  priests  clothed  with  righteousness ; 

Ye  saints,  the  Lord  adore ! 
O  for  thy  servant  David's  sake 

Regard  my  earnest  prayer; 
Thou  wilt  not  from  thy  words  depart 

Which  thou  to  him  didst  swear: 
"  I  will  his  son  a  ruler  make, 

His  children,  too,  will  own; 
And  if  they  keep  my  covenant 

Their's  ever  is  the  throne." 

Zion  God  takes  for  his  abode, 

(His  words  I  gladly  tell,) 
"This  is  my  chosen  resting-place, 

Here  I  delight  to  dwell. 

® 1 


8 _ 8 

The  Psalms   in   Meter         237 

And  I  will  her  provisions  bless, 

On  her  my  mercies  pour; 
Salvation  all  her  priests  shall  clothe, 

The  saints  my  name  adore. 
The  power  of  David  I'll  exalt, 

And  light  upon  him  shed; 
I  will  his  foes  all  clothe  with  shame, 

The  crown  shall  deck  his  head." 


PSALM     CXXXIII. 

Of  Unity  among  Brethren. 

HOW  pleasant  is  the  fellowship 

Of  brethren  in  the  Lord  ! 
How  good  in  unity  to  dwell, 

And  in  his  praise  accord  ! 

'Tis  like  the  rich  anointing  oil 
Which,  poured  on  Aaron's  head, 
Kan  down  his  beard,  and  sweet  perfume 
O'er  all  his  garments  shed. 

'Tis  like  the  dew  on  Herrnon  falls, 

And  sprinkles  Zion  o'er; 
For  here  his  blessing  God  commands, 

And  life  for  evermore. 
& 


® 

238        The    Psalms    in    Metee. 

PSALM    CXXXIV. 


Praise  offered  to  God  in  his 

O  PRAISE  the  Lord,  all  ye  his  saints, 
Who  serve  him  night  and  day, 

And  in  his  temple  lift  your  hands, 
And  his  commands  obey: 

And  may  the  Lord,  by  whom  we  live, 

From  Zion  his  rich  blessing  give. 

PSALM    CXXXY. 

Exhortation  to  Praise  God. 

PRAISE  ye  the  Lord,  his  faithful  saints, 

For  he  is  good  and  kind ; 
Whom  he  has  chosen  for  his  own, 

To  bless  them  is  inclined. 
Above  all  gods  the  Lord  is  great, 

And  does  his  sov'reign  will 
In  heaven,  and  earth,  and  in  the  sea; 

He  doth  all  places  fill ! 
He  causes  all  the  clouds  that  rise, 

The  lightning  and  the  rain ; 
And  from  his  storehouse  brings  the  wind, 

Which  sweep  o'er  all  the  main. 
He  all  of  Egypt's  first-born  smote, 

And  wonders  great  displayed; 
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The   Psalms   in   Meter.         239 

He  all  the  kings  of  Canaan  slew, 

His  people  mighty  made. 
The  land  for  their  inheritance 

To  Israel  he  gave, 
And  he  will  evermore  endure, 

And  all  his  people  save. 
He  is  the  Judge  of  all  the  earth, 

And  just  are  his  commands ; 
But  the  idols  of  the  nations  are 

The  work  of  human  hands. 
Their  mouths  speak  not,  nor  have  they 
breath ; 

They  neither  see  nor  hear; 
Their  makers  and  their  worshipers 

As  vain  as  they  appear. 
Praise  ye  the  Lord,  his  faithful  saints, 

All  ye  the  Lord  who  fear ! 
Yea,  out  of  Zion  praise  the  Lord ! 

Praise  ever  let  us  hear ! 


PSALM    CXXXVI. 

A  Psalm  of  Thanksgiving. 

GIVE  thanks  to  the  Lord  who  is  kind ; 
Sing  praise  to  the  God  of  all  gods ; 
Thanks  offer  the  Lord  of  all  lords ; 

Lives  his  goodness  forever ! 

H — g 


240        The   Psalms    in    Metee. 

Praise  Him  who  great  wonders  has  done, 
Whose  wisdom  the  high  heavens  made, 
And  o'er  waters  extended  the  earth : 

Lives  his  goodness  forever ! 

Adore  Him  who  made  the  great  lights, 
The  sun  to  have  rule  o'er  the  day, 
And  the  moon  and  the  stars  o'er  the  night : 
Lives  his  goodness  forever ! 

He  smote  all  of  Egypt's  first-born, 
And  Israel  brought  from  their  midst, 
With  a  hand  strong  and  mighty  to  save : 
Lives  his  goodness  forever ! 

He  divided  the  sea  into  parts, 
Made  Israel  pass  through  the  midst, 
And  Pharaoh  therein  overthrew: 

Lives  his  goodness  forever! 

He  us  through  the  wilderness  led, 
Smote  the  kings  of  the  land  for  our  sake, 
And  slew  mighty  chiefs  in  our  way : 

Lives  his  goodness  forever ! 

Smote  Sihon,  the  Amorites'  king, 
And  Og,  who  in  Bashan  did  reign, 
And  gave  to  his  people  their  lands : 

Lives  his  goodness  forever! 

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The    Psalms   in   Meter.         241 

Yea,  he  a  rich  heritage  gave 

His  servants  while  still  on  the  earth ; 

Remembering  their  humble  estate: 

Lives  his  goodness  forever ! 

He  us  froin  our  foes  has  redeemed; 
He  food  to  all  people  now  gives: 
O  praise  ye  the  great  God  above! 

Lives  his  goodness  forever ! 


PSALM    CXXXVII. 

Jewish  Captives  in  Babylon. 

BY  Babylon's  streams  we  sat  down, 
And  wept  when  of  Zion  we  thought ; 

And  handed  on  the  willows  around 
Our  harps,  in  our  sadness  unsought. 

Us  to  grieve,  them  our  foes  bade  us  string, 
And  wake  them  to  gladness  and  mirth ; 

But  how  Zion's  songs  shall  we  sing, 
Afar  from  the  land  of  our  birth  ? 

If  I  love  not  Jerusalem  yet, 

Or  of  her  ever  thoughtless  become, 

May  my  right  hand  its  cunning  forget, 
My  tongue  to  its  sweet  strains  be  dumb ! 

31 
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242         The   Psalms   in    Meter. 

Let  Edom,  who  urged  on  our  foes, 
And  felt  in  our  sorrows  delight, 
O  Lord,  soon  awake  from  repose; 
'    Condemned  and  reproved  in  thy  sight. 

And  Babylon,  soon  upon  thee 
Shall  thy  cruel  slaughters  return; 

Thy  little  ones  slain  thou  shalt  see, 
And  evermore  desolate  mourn. 


PSALM    CXXXVIII. 

Tlie  Goodness  and  Truth  of  God. 

WITH  my  whole  heart  will  I  praise  thee, 
And  with  thy  saints  rejoicing  sing: 

I  in  thy  house  will  bow  the  knee 
Before  my  Saviour  and  my  King. 

Thy  truth  and  goodness  shall  abide, 
Throughout  the  universe  believed ; 

For  thou  thy  word  hast  magnified, 

Done  more  than  mortal  had  conceived. 

My  prayer  thou  hast  been  pleased  to  hear, 
And  strength  and  comfort  to  me  give; 

Earth's  mighty  ones  thy  name  shall  fear, 
And  joyful  in  thy  service  live. 

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The    Psalms    i^   Meter.        243 

God  in  the  humble  takes  delight ; 

The  proud  he  at  a  distance  sees;     „ 
He  ever  will  protect  the  right, 

For  him  can  nothing  sinful  please. 

Us  he  will  save  by  his  right  hand, 

And  all  his  promises  fulfill; 
His  goodness  evermore  shall  stand, 

For  changeless  is  Jehovah's  will. 


PSALM    CXXXIX. 

The  Universal  Presence  and  Knowledge  of  God. 

0  LORD,  thou  me  hast  searched  and  known  ! 
Lie  down,  or  rise,  Fm  not  alone ! 
Thou  art  acquainted  with  my  ways, 
And  ever  on  my  thoughts  dost  gaze. 
My  words  unspoken  thou  dost  see; 
Yea,  all  I  am  is  known  to  thee; 
On  every  side  hedged  is  my  way, 
Thy  hand  thou  dost  upon  me  lay. 
Such  knowledge  is  too  high  for  me, 

1  can't  conceive  how  it  can  be. 
Where  shall  I  from  thy  presence  go, 
Where  me  thy  Spirit  shall  not  know? 
Should  I  to  highest  heaven  rise, 
Thou,  Lord,  art  there,  for  ever  wise; 

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244        The    Psalms    in    Meter. 

Or  even  into  hell  should  dare, 
Behold,  th'  Omniscient  One  is  there ! 
Or  the  swift  wings  of  morning  take, 
And  o'er  the  sea  my  dwelling  make, 
Thy  presence  there  thou  would st  reveal, 
And  thy  right  hand  should  guard  me  still: 
Or  should  I  in  the  darkness  hide, 
Light  my  vain  effort  would  deride: 
To  thee,  whose  will  all  things  obey, 
Night  shines  as  clearly  as  the  day. 

Thou  didst  to  me  existence  give; 
Yea,  in  my  mother's  womb  me  weave. 
How  wonderfully  I  am  made ! 
I'm  almost  of  myself  afraid  ! 
Too  marvelous  thy  works  to  tell, 
And  this  my  soul  now  knows  full  well. 
My  substance  was  not  hid  from  thee, 
While  yet  unformed  thou  didst  me  see. 
When  I  was  curiously  wrought, 
I  then  received  thy  care  and  thought ; 
And  ere  my  members  were  begun, 
Thy  book  contained  them  every  one. 
How  precious  are  thy  thoughts  to  me ; 
They  are,  O  God,  a  boundless  sea ! 
Them  I've  no  power  to  understand; 
They  would  outnumber  far  the  sand. 


The    Psalms    in    Metee.        245 


When  I  awake,  I'm  with  thee  still; 
For  thou  the  universe  dost  fill. 

0  that  thou  wouldst  the  wicked  slay ! 
Ye  men  of  blood,  get  ye  away ! 

For  they  speak  evil,  Lord,  of  thee, 
And  proudly  work  iniquity. 
Them  that  hate  thee  do  I  not  hate  ? 
Would  I  not  haste  their  coming  fate  ? 

1  count  them  all  as  my  own  foes, 
For  they  thy  righteous  laws  oppose. 
Search  me,  O  God,  and  know  my  heart,    . 
And  bid  my  evil  thoughts  depart ! 
Help  me  thy  precepts  to  obey, 

And  lead  me  in  the  ancient  way. 

PSALM    CXL. 

Prayer  for  Aid  against  the  Wicked. 

DELIVER  me  from  evil  men 

Who  practice  violence; 
They  daily  stir  up  war;  their  hearts 

Are  full  of  vile  intents : 
Like  serpents  sharpen  they  their  tongues; 

Poison  their  lips  conceal — 
Defend  me  from  their  cruelty; 

Thy  saving  hand  reveal. 


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246         The   Psalms   in   Meter. 

The  proud  for  me  have  hidden  snares, 

A  net  for  me  have  spread; 
But  thou,  Jehovah,  art  my  God, 

My  all-sufficient  aid ; 
And  when  to  battle  I  go  forth 

Thou  shelterest  my  head. 
Grant  not  the  wicked  their  desire ; 

Do  thou  defeat  their  aim; 
And  let  them  not  exalt  themselves, 

But  cover  them  with  shame. 
Let  burning  coals  upon  them  fall, 

Cast  them  into  the  fire, 
And  into  waters  deep  and  wide, 

And  thus  let  them  expire. 
The  slanderer  upon  the  earth 

Shall  never  strong  become; 
The  violent  shall  wrath  pursue — 

Destruction  is  their  doom. 
But  thou  th7  afflicted  dost  regard ; 

Thou  their  defense  wilt  be ; 
The  righteous  still  shall  praise  thy  name, 

And  dwell  secure  with  thee. 

PSALM    CXL  I. 

Prayer  for  Deliverance  from  Enemies. 

MAKE  haste  to  save  me,  O  my  God, 
For  unto  thee  I  cry ; 


5; 

The   Psalms   in   Metee.  247 

Turn  not  away  thy  gracious  ear, 

Do  not  my  suit  deny. 
O  let  my  prayer  before  thee  come, 

As  incense  to  thee  rise ; 
And  the  uplifting  of  my  hands, 

As  th'  evening  sacrifice. 
Let  me  not  with  the  wicked  join, 

Thy  laws  not  disobey : 
Set  thou  a  watch  before  my  mouth, 

And  guard  whate'er  I  say. 
Let  me  be  smitten  by  the  just, 

It  shall  a  kindness  be ; 
Oil  for  my  head  is  their  reproof, 

It  warns  and  strengthens  me; 
And  though  repeated,  I  would  still 

Receive  it  gratefully. 

Let  not  the  wicked  me  assail, 

Against  them  now  I  pray; 
Their  judges  hurl  upon  the  rocks, 

That  others  may  obey, 
And  kindly  hear  the  peaceful  words 

Which  thou  to  them  shalt  say. 
At  the  grave's  mouth  our  bleaching  bones 

Are  scattered  all  around  ; 
Like  clods  of  earth,  and  chips  of  wood, 

They  fairly  strew  the  ground : 
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248         The    Psalms    in    Meter. 

But  to  thee,  Lord,  I  turn  mine  eyes, 

I  put  my  trust  in  thee; 
0  let  my  life  not  be  poured  out, 

From  snares  of  foes  set  free ; 
But  may  they  to  them  fall  a  prey : 

Themselves  the  victims  be. 

PSALM    CXLII. 

Prayer  %n  Distress. 

UNTO  the  Lord  I  raise  my  voice, 

And  my  desires  express; 
Before  him  pour  out  my  complaints, 

And  set  forth  my  distress. 
When  grief  my  spirit  overwhelms, 

Thou  watchest  where  I  go; 
But  though  I  look  around  on  earth, 

There  me  no  man  will  know. 
No  man  cares  for  me,  refuge  fails; 

0  Lord,  I  cry  to  thee; 
Thou  art  my  refuge  in  distress, 

Thou  wilt  my  portion  be. 
My  persecutors  now  prevail; 

1  am  brought  very  low; 
Do  thou  from  prison  bring  me  forth, 

And  me  thy  favors  show. 
Then  will  the  righteous  me  sustain, 
With  me  praise  thee  below. 
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S— £5 

The    Psalms    in    Metee.         249 
PSALM    CXLIII. 

Prayer  when  Oppressed  by  Enemies. 

0  LOBD,  hear  thou  iny  earnest  prayer 
While  now  I  look  to  thee ; 

Thou  ever  just  and  faithful  art — 

Wilt  thou  not  answer  me? 
Do  not  in  judgment  on  me  sit, 

Nor  my  past  life  review ; 
For  no  man  living  would  be  found 

Before  thee  just  and  true. 

1  by  my  foes  am  smitten  down, 
Brought  to  a  wretched  state; 

My  spirit  is  in  me  o'erwhelmed, 

My  heart  is  desolate. 
I  think  about  the  days  of  old, 

The  labors  of  thy  hand  ; 
And  then  my  soul  thirsts  after  thee 

Like  a  parched,  thirsty  land. 

0  hear  me,  ere  my  spirit  fails, 
Hide  not  thy  face  from  me ; 

Lest  I  become  like  to  the  dead, 
Let  me  thy  goodness  see. 

1  trust  in  thee;  to  me  make  known 
The  way  that  I  should  take, 

While  to  thee  I  lift  up  my  soul : 
Nor  to  my  foes  forsake. 

32 

K 


250         The   Psalms   in   Me  tee. 

In  thee  do  I  my  refuge  seek, 

Teach  me  to  do  thy  will; 
Let  thy  good  Spirit  in  the  path 

Of  duty  lead  me  still. 
Revive  me  for  thine  own  name's  sake, 

And  save  me  from  distress; 
In  mercy  all  my  foes  cut  off, 

And  me,  thy  servant,  bless. 

PSALM    CLXIV. 

Thanksgiving  and  Intercession. 

BLESSED  be  the  Lord,  my  guide  in  war, 

And  guard  in  danger's  way; 
He  is  my  refuge  and  my  shield — 

,  Gives  nations  to  my  sway. 
Lord,  what  is  man,  or  what  his  son, 

That  thou  shouldst  for  him  care? 
To  a  mere  shadow  passing  by, 

We  may  his  life  compare. 
O  bow  the  heavens  and  come  down, 

The  mountains  touch  with  flame; 
Shoot  thy  fierce  lightnings  'mid  my  foes, 

Make  them  revere  thy  name. 
From  the  deep  waters  rescue  me; 

Make  me  securely  stand; 
Save  from  the  cruel,  alien  foe. 


For  false  in  his  right  hand ! 


R- 


g  a 

The   Psalms    in   Me  tee.         251 


Then  a  new  sono-  to  thee  I'll  sin 


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The  j)salteiy  employ ; 
For  thou  hast  saved  me  from  the  sword, 

And  filled  my  heart  with  joy. 
Our  sons  like  thrifty  plants  shall  grow, 

And  in  the  land  abound; 
Our  daughters,  too,  like  pillars  fair, 

In  palaces  are  found. 
Our  garners  shall  with  fruits  be  filled; 

Our  stock  yield  their  increase ; 
And  no  disturbance  shall  there  be, 

But  quietness  and  peace. 
How  happy  are  the  people  found 

In  such  a  prosp'rous  state ; 
They  have  Jehovah  for  their  God, 

Who  makes  them  truly  great. 

PSALM     CXLV. 

PAET   I. 

Praise  the  God  of  Nature. 

THEE  will  I  praise,  eternal  King, 
And  gladly  in  thy  presence  sing, 
Come  every  day  thy  throne  before, 
And  praise  thy  name  for  evermore. 
Great  is  the  Lord  I  know  full  well, 
His  greatness  is  unsearchable: 
® 


8 g 

252        The    Psalms    in    Metee. 

All  nations  shall  thy  works  declare, 
And  find  delight  in  praise  and  prayer. 

I  will  thy  majesty  proclaim, 
And  speak  the  glories  of  thy  name ; 
While  stars  upon  me  nightly  beam, 
Thy  wondrous  works  shall  be  my  theme. 

And  men,  beholding  on  the  earth 
Thy  deeds,  shall  gladly  set  them  forth; 
Shall  join  redeeming  grace  to  praise, 
And  sing  thy  goodness  all  their  days. 

PART   II. 

Praise  the  God  of  Providence. 

OUR  God  is  good  to  all  below, 
In  mercy  rich,  to  anger  slow; 
His  favors  every- where  prevail; 
His  tender  mercies  never  fail. 

Thy  works,  O  Lord,  thy  praise  proclaim; 
Thy  saints,  rejoicing,  bless  thy  name; 
Thy  subjects  of  thy  kingdom  speak, 
And  pleasure  in  thy  service  seek. 

They  would  thy  majesty  make  known, 
That  all  may  bow  before  thy  throne: 
Thy  kingdom  shall  o'er  earth  extend, 
And  thy  dominion  never  end. 

5 s 


SI 8 

The  Psalms    in   Meter.         253 

Thou  dost  uphold  them  that  would  fall, 
And  hear  their  voice  who  on  thee  call ; 
Thou  dost  raise  up  those  in  distress, 
And  all  thy  creatures  greatly  bless. 

paet  m. 

Praise  the  God  of  Grace. 

ON  thee,  O  God,  the  nations  wait, 
For  in  thy  hand  abides  their  fate; 
Thou  dost  thy  creatures  duly  feed, 
And  give  to  all  as  they  have  need. 

Thou  righteous  art  in  all  thy  ways, 
And  ready  to  accept  our  praise; 
Thou  ever  dost  incline  thine  ear, 
The  earnest  prayer  of  faith  to  hear. 

To  praying  ones  thou  help  dost  give, 
And  every  burdened  heart  relieve; 
And  guard  thy  saints  in  the  dread  hour, 
When  o'er  the  wicked  death  has  power. 

Now  will  I  worship  thee,  my  God; 
My  mouth  shall  sound  thy  praise  abroad ; 
And  let  all  men  thy  name  adore, 
And  sing  thy  praise  for  evermore. 

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254         The   Psalms   in   Metee. 

PSALM    CXLVI. 

The  Justice  and  Mercy  of  God. 

PRAISE  ye  the  Lord,  his  saints  on  earth; 

My  soul,  his  name  adore: 
Him  will  I  serve  while  I  have  breath ; 

I'll  praise  him  evermore. 

On  him  I  ever  will  rely, 

Nor  even  princes  trust ; 
In  man  alone  there  is  no  help; 

He  soon  returns  to  dust. 

Happy  is  he  whose  help  is  God, 
By  whom  all  things  were  made; 

Who  truth  maintains  for  evermore, 
And  grants  th'  oppressed  his  aid. 

Unto  the  hungry  he  gives  food, 

And  sets  the  pris'ners  free ; 
He  raises  them  that  are  bowed  down, 

And  makes  the  blind  to  see. 

He  in  the  righteous  takes  delight; 

The  stranger  he  defends; 
The  fatherless  and  widow  guards, 

And  blessings  on  them  sends. 

& . 8 


55 sj 

The  Psalms   in   Metee.         255 

He  to  the  wicked  is  opposed, 
And  crooked  makes  their  way; 

In  Zion  he  for  ever  reigns — 
O  let  us  praise  and  pray ! 

PSALM    CXLVII. 

God's  Goodness  to  his  People. 

'TIS  good  to  praise.the  Lord  our  God; 

Such  acts  becoming  are  ; 
He  builds  up  Zion  on  the  earth, 

Gathers  his  saints  from  far. 
He  heals  the  broken  heart,  gives  peace 

When  grief  the  soul  inflames ; 
He  counts  the  number  of  the  stars, 

And  calls  them  by  their  names. 
Only  the  God  we  serve  is  great, 

Th'  Almighty  One  is  he; 
His  understanding's  iiffinite, 

His  love  a  boundless  sea. 
The  lowly  he  to  power  lifts  up  ; 

Them  his  rich  mercies  crown ; 
He  passes  the  proud  unnoticed  by, 

And  hurls  the  wicked  down. 


Thanksgiving  offer  to  the  Lord 
And  praise  his  name  again ; 


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£ £5 

256        The    Psalms    in    Metee. 

The  heavens  he  covers  o'er  with  clouds, 

And  sends  the  gentle  rain. 
He  causes  grass  on  earth  to  grow, 

And  gives  the  beasts  their  food ; 
He  hears  when  the  young  ravens  cry : 

He's  to  all  creatures  good. 
In  armies  he  takes  no  delight, 

Remembers  they  are  dust; 
But  he  takes  pleasure  in  his  saints 

Who  in  his  mercy  trust. 

O  Zion,  praise  thy  God !     Let  all 

Their  gratitude  express ! 
He  strengthens  now  thy  bars  and  gates, 

And  doth  thy  children  bless. 
In  all  thy  borders  he  gives  peace, 

And  finest  of  the  wheat ; 
Swift  runs  his  word  o'er  all  the  earth, 

Naught  can  ^dth  it  compete. 
He  scatters  snow  o'er  all  the  ground, 

The  hoar-frost  by  his  hand; 
His  ice  like  morsels  casts  around : 

Who  can  his  cold  withstand? 
He  sends  his  word  abroad  again, 

And  makes  the  wind  to  blow; 
They  melt  before  his  wondrous  power; 

And  then  the  waters  flow. 
® 


8 -g 

The    Psalms    in   Metee.        257 

To  Zion  lie  his  law  has  given, 
And  made  his  mercies  known  ; 

With  whom  has  he  so  kindly  dealt  ? 
Let  us  the  Giver  own ! 

PSALM    CXLVIII. 

Invocation  to  all  Things  to  Praise  God. 

PKAISE  ye  the  Lord  !  From  heaven  praise, 

In  the  sublimest  height ; 
Angelic  hosts,  and  sun,  and  moon, 

And  all  ye  stars  of  light ! 
Praise  him,  ye  highest,  brightest  heavens  ! 

Ye  waters  in  the  sky! 
Let  all  his  works  revere  his  name, 

And  in  his  praises  vie ! 
For  by  his  word  they  all  were  made, 

His  praises  to  express; 
And  to  them  all  he  gave  his  law, 

Which  they  cannot  transgress. 

Praise  ye  the  Lord,  all  on  the  earth, 

And  monsters  of  the  deep  ! 
Yea,  praise  him,  fire,  hail,  vapor,  snow, 

And  winds  his  word  that  keep ! 
Mountains  and  hills,  and  spreading  trees, 

Cattle,  and  creeping  things, 

33 

0 _ 


55 

258         The    Psalms   i^   Metee. 

Beasts  of  the  wood,  birds  of  the  air, 

Ye  people,  and  ye  kings; 
Rulers  and  ruled,  young  men  and  maids, 

Old  men  and  children ;  all 
Unite  to  praise  Jehovah's  name, 

His  majesty  extol ! 
For  his  name  is  exalted  high, 

His  glory,  worlds  above ; 
It  power  omnipotent  displays, 

And  unexampled  love. 
And  power  he  to  his  people  gives, 

And  makes  their  glory  known ; 
He  takes  them  close  unto  himself, 

And  claims  them  for  his  own. 

PSALM    CXLIX. 

God  Praised  for  Victories. 

PRAISE  ye  the  Lord,  his  worshipers, 

And  to  him  raise  your  voice; 
In  God,  who  made  him  by  his  power, 

Let  Israel  rejoice. 
Zion,  be  joyful  in  your  King ; 

In  dance  praise  ye  his  name ; 
With  harp  and  timbrel  give  him  praise: 

He  doth  your  service  claim. 
God  pleasure  in  his  people  takes, 

And  will  their  wants  relieve; 
g — — — g 


55  ^ 

The   Psalms   in   Meter.  259 

Hence  let  them  even  on  their  beds 

Him  joyful  praises  give. 
Let  them  go  forth  to  glorious  war, 

To  execute  his  will ; 
And  make  their  land  secure  and  strong, 

Who  his  commands  fulfill. 
For  this  is  the  announced  decree 

Of  Israel's  just  God, 
His  worship  to  preserve  on  earth: 

Hence  shout  his  praise  abroad! 

PSALM    CL. 

Exhortation  to  Praise  God. 

PRAISE  God  in  his  sanctuary! 

Praise  him  in  his  glorious  sky ! 
Praise  him  for  his  mighty  deeds ! 

Praise  him  who  is  great  and  high ! 

Praise  him  with  the  trumpet's  sound ! 

Praise  with  harp  and  psaltery ! 
Praise  with  timbrel  and  with  dance ! 

Praise  with  pipe's  sweet  minstrelsy! 

Praise  with  all  stringed  instruments! 

Praise  with  cymbals  clear  and  high ! 
Praise  him  all  things  that  have  breath ! 

Praise  the  Lord  of  earth  and  sky ! 

i -i 


-& 


INDEX 


Acknowledgment  of  God's  Mercies  Page  233 

Admonition  to  keep  God's  Commandments 130 

A  Grateful  Song  of  Praise 175 

A  Hymn  in  Time  of  Great  Persecution 136 

A  Hymn  of  Praise 109 

A  Light  to  our  Path 219 

A  National  Hymn  of  Praise 107 

An  Appeal  to  Wicked  Rulers 141 

An  Exhortation  to  Praise  God 167 

An  Historic  Sketch  of  the  Sins  of  Israel 184 

An  Invective  against  the  Wicked 97 

An  Offering  of  Praise   47 

Appeal  to  God  against  the  Wicked 162 

A  Prayer  in  Sickness ,.  66 

A  Psalm  for  the  Sabbath  Day 160 

A  Psalm  of  Praise 169 

A  Psalm  of  Praise 206 

A  Psalm  of  Thanksgiving 239 

A  Sacramental  Hymn 197 

Ascension  of  Christ 39 

Cast  me  not  off  with  the  Wicked 44 

Chastisement  for  our  Good 164 

Christ  our  Refuge 102 

Christ  the  Glorious  King 77 

Christ  the  Good  Shepherd 38 

Christ  the  Corner-Stone 208 


0 


262  Index. 

Comfort  of  God's  People Page  49 

Complaints  concerning  Enemies 226 

Confession  and  Prayer  of  a  Penitent 88 

Confidence  in  Divine  Protection 227 

Confidence  in  God's  Care 95 

Confidence  in  God's  Mercy 17 

Confidence  in  the  Divine  Protection 206 

Confident  Supplication , 26 

Constancy  of  the  Righteous 215 

David  Pleads  God's  Covenant 155 

Death  the  Fate  of  All 83 

Deceitful  Foes  and  Treacherous  Friends 72 

Delight  in  God's  Law , 214 

Description  of  Christ's  Crucifixion 36 

Description  of  the  Wicked 58 

Descriptive  of  Christ's  Kingdom 37 

Desire  to  be  with  God's  People 42 

Evening  Prayer 12 

Exhortation  to  Join  in  Worship 166 

Exhortation  to  Praise  God 238 

Exhortation  to  Praise  God 259 

Exhortation  to  Praise  the  Ascended  Saviour 81 

Exultation  in  God's  Goodness 193 

Exultation  in  God's  Goodness 229 

Fervent  Aspirations  after  God 103 

Firm  Trust  in  God 165 

God  Blesses  and  Protects  his  People 53 

God  Cares  for  Man  . , 16 

God  Defends  the  Righteous 61 

God  Faithful  to  his  Word 21 

God  his  People's  Defence 59 


Cv 


$ ® 

Index.  263 

God  in  Nature  and  Grace Page  161 

God  our  Creator,  Governor,  and  Protector 51 

God  our  Support  in  Persecution 115 

God  Praised  for  his  Law 225 

God  Praised  for  Victories 258 

God  Prospers  the  Righteous 62 

God  Reigns  over  Nations 162 

God  Speaking  in  his  Sanctuary 85 

God  Sustains  and  Saves  the  Righteous 62 

God  the  Christian's  Portion 123 

God  Trusted  in  Danger 98 

God's  Admonition  to  his  People 139 

God's  Blessing  Necessary  to  Prosperity 232 

God's  Covenant  with  David 154 

God's  Demand  of  his  People 85 

God's  Demand  of  the  Wicked 87 

God's  Glory  in  his  Works  and  Word 32 

God's  Glory  seen  in  a  Thunder-storm 45 

God's  Goodness  to  his  People 255 

God's  Goodness  to  Men  in  Different  Circumstances 189 

God's  Judgments  Just 216 

God's  Law  a  Vast  Deep 222 

God's  Law  Just  and  True 222 

God's  Law  makes  Wise , 219 

God's  Law  our  Happiness 226 

God's  Mercy  and  Greatness  Pleaded  in  Prayer 147 

God's  Works  Display  Himself 162 

Grateful  Praise  and  Adoration 171 

Grief  for  Others'  Disobedience 224 

Grief  for  the  State  of  the  Church 128 

Humility  and  Contentment 235 

Hymn  for  Social  Worship 205 

Intercession  for  a  Ruler 34 

Invective  against  Enemies 194 


264  Index. 


Invitation  to  Engage  in  Worship Page  170 

Invocation  to  all  Things  to  Praise  God 257 

Israel  coming  out  of  Egypt 201 

Israel  compared  to  a  Vine 137 

Jewish  Captives  in  Babylon 241 

Longing  after  God 73 

Longing  for  God's  Law 223 

Longing  for  God's  Worship 143 

Means  of  Moral  Purity 210 

Morning  Prayer 13 

Of  Unity  among  Brethren 237 

On  Trusting  God  when  in  Distress 204 

Our  Safety  is  in  God 96 

Perfection  of  God's  Law 218 

Persecution  of  the  Righteous 114 

Piety  Better  than  Wealth 212 

Pious  Regard  for  God's  Law 220 

Praise  after  Victory 207 

Praise  for  National  Independence 75 

Praise  for  Victory 35 

Praise  Offered  to  God  in  his  Temple 238 

Praise  the  God  of  Grace 253 

Praise  the  God  of  Nature 251 

Praise  the  God  of  Providence 252 

Praise  to  the  Supreme  Ruler 168 

Praise  ye  the  Lord 200 

Prayer  against  Enemies 142 

Prayer  and  Praise 92 

Prayer  and  Trust 22 

Prayer  at  Morning  Worship 172 

jg . 


Prayer  at  the  Dedication  of  the  Temple Page  235 

Prayer  concerning  False  Witnesses 56 

Prayer  concerning  Public  Crimes 57 

Prayer  concerning  Secret  Foes 55 

Prayer  for  Aid  against  the  Wicked 245 

Prayer  for  a  Revival 145 

Prayer  for  Assistance  in  Old  Age 117 

Prayer  for  Deliverance  from  Enemies 93 

Prayer  for  Deliverance  from  Enemies 246 

Prayer  for  Divine  Aid 211 

Prayer  for  Divine  Guidance 40 

Prayer  for  Divine  Mercy 229 

Prayer  for  Forgiveness 234 

Prayer  for  Guidance  and  Protection 148 

Prayer  for  Protection 104 

Prayer  for  Protection  from  Enemies 15 

Prayer  for  the  Church  in  Persecution 124 

Prayer  for  the  Prosperity  of  Zion 174 

Prayer  in  Distress 14 

Prayer  in  Distress  48 

Prayer  in  Distress 248 

Prayer  in  National  Disaster 76 

Prayer  in  National  Distress 99 

Prayer  in  Temptation 70 

Prayer  in  Temptation 116 

Prayer  of  One  in  Deep  Distress 173 

Prayer  of  Penitence 63 

Prayer  when  Oppressed  by  Enemies 249 

Pray  for  the  Peace  of  Zion 228 

Prosperity  of  the  Righteous 199 

Regal  and  Sacerdotal  Powers  of  Christ 196 

Rejoicing  in  Christ 43 

Rejoicing  in  God's  Goodness 25 

Religious  Experience  Told 108 

34 


8 _____ & 


266  Index, 


Security  of  the  Church Page    79 

Thanksgiving  and  Intercession 250 

Thanksgiving  for  Victory 127 

The  Advantages  of  Piety 233 

The  Authority  of  the  Wicked  Deprecated 18 

The  Beauty  and  Security  of  Zion 82 

The  Brevity  of  Human  Life 157 

The  Captive's  Return. 231 

The  Church  the  Lamb's  Bride 78 

The  Confidence  of  the  Righteous 11 

The  Courage  of  the  Righteous 211 

The  Deceitful  Tongue 89 

The  Deliverance  of  the  Israelites 129 

The  Exile's  Return 100 

The  Faithfulness  and  Mercy  of  God 151 

The  Glory  of  Zion 149 

The  God  of  Grace  and  Nature  Praised 105 

The  God  of  Israel  with  his  People 110 

The  Goodness  and  Truth  of  God 242 

The  Goodness  of  God  to  Israel  traced  in  their  History.. . .   180 

The  Immutability  of  God 175 

The  Lord  of  Sabaoth  in  Action 28 

The  Lord  in  Contrast  with  Idols 202 

The  Justice  and  Mercy  of  God 254 

The  People  who  know  the  Joyful  Sound 153 

The  Penitent  Pardoned 50 

The  Penitent  Encouraged 54 

The  Portion  of  the  Wicked  in  this  Life 121 

The  Prayer  of  One  in  Great  Distress 150 

The  Righteous  and  the  Wicked  Contrasted 9 

The  Righteous  Exhorted  to  Trust  in  God 60 

The  Righteous  greatly  Blessed 209 

The  Righteous  Protected  and  Wicked  Punished 20 

The  Reward  of  Charity 71 


8 


1 


Index.  267 

The  Safety  of  Him  who  Trusts  in  God Page  158 

The  Safety  of  Obedience 213 

The  Sinner  Saved 67 

The  Triumphant  Reign  of  Christ 119 

The  Universal  Presence  and  Knowledge  of  God 243 

The  Use  of  Afflictions 215 

The  Vanity  of  Human  Life % . . . .  65 

The  Value  of  a  Place  in  God's  House 144 

The  "Wonderful  and  Manifold  Works  of  God 177 

The  Work  of  Redemption 68 

Their  Safety  who  Trust  in  God 230 

Triumph  of  Christ  over  his  Foes 10 

Trust  in  God's  Providence 217 

Universal  Depravity 22 

Universal  Depravity 91 

Waiting  for  God's  Blessing 221 

Who  Will  be  Saved 24 


THE  END. 


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